German Citizenship in Münster
Who handles naturalisation in Münster, the two ways to apply, how the information events work, and where to take the citizenship test in the city.
How do I apply for citizenship in Münster and how long does it take?
You apply to the Amt für Bürger- und Ratsservice of the City of Münster, either online through the shared online service with a BundID account, or in writing by post. The city states no processing time. It runs regular information events, and the talk can replace a consultation appointment. In 2024, 890 people living in Münster were naturalised.
Münster: Key Facts
| Topic | What applies in Münster |
|---|---|
| Authority | Stadt Münster, Amt für Bürger- und Ratsservice (naturalisation and nationality authority, Stadthaus 1) |
| How to apply | Online through the shared online service with a BundID account (the city recommends registering with username and password), or in writing: post the application, or drop it with copies in a sealed envelope into a city letterbox, for example at Stadthaus 1. |
| Stated time | The authority states no processing time. |
| Information events | Regular talks on the requirements and the application, about 45 minutes long. The city says the talk can replace a consultation appointment. |
| Phone and walk-in | Phone 0251 492 3320, Tuesday 13:30–15:00 and Wednesday 08:30–10:00. Walk-in on Monday and Thursday only to hand in documents the office has asked for, not to submit applications. |
| Fee | €255 per adult, €51 for a minor child naturalised with a parent (§38 StAG, nationwide). On the paper route the fee is paid on site: do not send cash or transfer the fee before you are asked to. |
| Forms | The city has had the declaration of loyalty translated into 19 languages. |
| Naturalisations 2024 | 890 (2.5% of the foreign population at the end of the previous year; 6.1% of those resident for 10+ years). Regional database, table 12511-04-01-4. |
| Naturalisations 2025 | Not yet published for Münster |
Source: Stadt Münster: Einbürgerung, Antragstellung · City pages read on 22 October 2026
Where to Take the Citizenship Test in Münster
The BAMF list names two test centres in Münster. The vhs Münster lists the test at €25, with registration in person only.
| Test centre | Address | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vhs Münster | Aegidiistraße 70 | Register in person with a valid ID. Registration usually closes about six weeks before the test. Fee €25. Dates are listed in the vhs course catalogue. |
| German Language Academy, Deutsche Sprachenakademie | Bahnhofstr. 3 | On the BAMF list |
Source: BAMF: citizenship test centres in North Rhine-Westphalia (Prüfstellen-NW) · List and vhs pages read on 22 October 2026
Step by Step to the Certificate
Get your B1 certificate
You need German at B1 level, usually proven with a certificate such as telc Deutsch B1 or DTZ. If you do not have one yet, you can take the telc B1 exam at a centre in Münster.
Register for the citizenship test in person
At the vhs Münster you can only register in person, with a valid ID. Registration usually closes about six weeks before the test date. The fee is €25.
Tip: BAMF marks the tests centrally. Its naturalisation page shows how far marking has got.
Attend an information event
The city holds regular talks of about 45 minutes on the requirements and the application. The talk can replace a consultation appointment. Book through the city's appointment system.
Apply online or by post
Apply through the shared online service with a BundID account, or post your prepared application. You can also put it with copies in a sealed envelope into a city letterbox, for example at Stadthaus 1.
Tip: On the paper route, do not send cash and do not transfer the fee until the office asks you to.
Receive your certificate
After the handover you can book an appointment at the Standesamt to align your name. The city holds a welcome reception for new citizens: in July 2026 the Lord Mayor welcomed about 80 people naturalised in 2025.
German citizenship also needs proof of B1 German. You can practise for it here:
Free telc B1 Modelltest — practise online with answers
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Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Münster states no processing time on its naturalisation pages. We do not quote unofficial figures.
Yes. Besides the online application with a BundID account, you can post your prepared application or put it with copies in a sealed envelope into a city letterbox, for example at Stadthaus 1. On the paper route the fee is paid on site.
The city runs regular information events on the requirements and the application. The talk lasts about 45 minutes and, according to the city, can replace a consultation appointment.
At the vhs Münster, which is a BAMF test centre, or at the German Language Academy (Deutsche Sprachenakademie). At the vhs you register in person with a valid ID; registration usually closes about six weeks before the test. The fee is €25.
The city holds a reception for new citizens in the town hall. On 2 July 2026 the Lord Mayor welcomed about 80 people who had become German in 2025.
890 people living in Münster were naturalised in 2024, according to the regional database of the statistical offices. A figure for 2025 has not yet been published for the city.
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- Stadt Münster: Einbürgerung
- Stadt Münster: Einbürgerung, Antragstellung
- Shared online service: naturalisation application for Münster
- Stadt Münster: appointments for information events
- Stadt Münster: Standesamt appointments (name alignment)
- Stadt Münster: reception for new citizens (3 July 2026)
- vhs Münster: frequently asked questions on registration
- vhs Münster: exams, German as a foreign language
- BAMF: citizenship test centres in North Rhine-Westphalia (Prüfstellen-NW)
- BAMF: naturalisation and the citizenship test
- Regional database of the statistical offices: naturalisations by district, table 12511-04-01-4
- §38 StAG: fees (gesetze-im-internet.de)