Updated: March 30, 2026 · Citizenship
§ 24 AufenthG and German citizenship: do years under temporary protection count?
It may seem like common knowledge, but the question comes up regularly, so let's say it again: time spent in Germany under § 24 AufenthG counts towards the residence period required for citizenship.
What the law says
§ 10 StAG currently requires, as a rule, 5 years of rechtmäßiger gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt in Germany — lawful habitual residence.
The law doesn't require all five years to be spent on a work permit. § 24 is an Aufenthaltserlaubnis, so this period isn't excluded from the five years as such. Years lived under § 24 aren't reset when you switch to another residence status.
The catch: no citizenship while on § 24
You can't be naturalised while you still hold a § 24 permit. § 10 (1) no. 2 StAG explicitly lists residence titles that don't qualify at the time of naturalisation, and § 24 AufenthG is on that list.
A route that works
- Several years of residence under § 24 — for example, 4 years.
- Switching to a suitable residence title: the EU Blue Card (§ 18g), a work permit (§ 18b) or another basis.
- Reaching a total of 5 years of lawful habitual residence.
- Applying for citizenship once the other requirements are met: German B1, the Einbürgerungstest, supporting yourself and more.
Plan the switch early: the chosen legal basis determines the requirements for your job, income and documents. Check whether you qualify for the Blue Card with our salary threshold calculator, and see the EU Blue Card and Work & IT visas pages for details.
The authority assesses each case individually, so check your situation before applying.
Let's plan your switch from § 24
In a consultation we'll assess which residence basis suits you, which documents you need to change status and when you'll be able to apply for citizenship. The €90 fee is credited towards support.
FAQ
Do years under § 24 count towards citizenship?
Yes. § 10 StAG requires, as a rule, 5 years of lawful habitual residence, and § 24 is an Aufenthaltserlaubnis, so this period isn't excluded as such. Years lived under § 24 aren't reset when you switch to another residence status.
Can I be naturalised while still on § 24?
No. § 10 (1) no. 2 StAG explicitly lists residence titles that don't qualify at the time of naturalisation, and § 24 AufenthG is on that list. You need to switch to another basis before you apply.
Which residence title can I switch to from § 24?
The article names the EU Blue Card (§ 18g) and a work permit (§ 18b); other bases are possible too. The chosen legal basis determines the requirements for your job, income and documents, so plan the switch early.
What else is needed to apply for citizenship?
Besides 5 years of lawful habitual residence, you need German at B1 level, the Einbürgerungstest, supporting yourself and other conditions. The authority assesses each case individually, so check your situation before applying.