Germany: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
- • 5 years of counted time, German , naturalisation test, income without benefits
- • 3 years of legal residence and at least 2 years of marriage to a German citizen, German , test, income without benefits
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.5–1.5.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €1,480 | €3,270 |
| Hamburg | €1,480 | €3,330 |
| Munich | €1,860 | €4,060 |
| Cologne | €1,460 | €3,360 |
| Frankfurt | €1,590 | €3,560 |
| Stuttgart | €1,510 | €3,550 |
| Düsseldorf | €1,450 | €3,330 |
| Leipzig | €1,210 | €3,020 |
| Dortmund | €1,170 | €2,820 |
| Dresden | €1,230 | €3,060 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety79
- Earning potential92
- Healthcare92
- Path to citizenship70
- Schools and education70
- Environment85
- Warm, sunny climate43
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Germany, and how long does it take?
5 years of counted time, German B1, naturalisation test, income without benefits; 3 years of legal residence and at least 2 years of marriage to a German citizen, German B1, test, income without benefits. Processing takes 0.5–1.5 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Germany?
The main routes we cover: EU free movement; Temporary protection §24; Study permit §16b; Skilled worker with a university degree §18b; EU Blue Card §18g; Skilled worker with vocational training §18a and 5 more. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
How much does it cost to live in Germany per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Berlin ≈ €1,480 / €3,270; Hamburg ≈ €1,480 / €3,330; Munich ≈ €1,860 / €4,060; Cologne ≈ €1,460 / €3,360; Frankfurt ≈ €1,590 / €3,560; Stuttgart ≈ €1,510 / €3,550; Düsseldorf ≈ €1,450 / €3,330; Leipzig ≈ €1,210 / €3,020; Dortmund ≈ €1,170 / €2,820; Dresden ≈ €1,230 / €3,060. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Germany?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Berlin €533–€837; Hamburg €533–€838; Munich €794–€1,250; Cologne €523–€822; Frankfurt €613–€963; Stuttgart €553–€869; Düsseldorf €512–€805; Leipzig €351–€552; Dortmund €325–€511; Dresden €364–€573.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.