Ukrainian refugees

Obtaining German citizenship is now easier: how have the requirements for applicants changed?

In recent years, Germany has been experiencing a demographic crisis more and more acutely. There are more retirees in the population structure, the birth rate is decreasing, and more and more vacant positions are appearing on the labor market. Currently, there is a shortage of teachers, doctors, drivers and other specialists in the country. To remedy this, the German government is simplifying employment and integration procedures for foreigners.

How has the legislation regarding the acquisition of German citizenship changed?

Among the innovations of the German authorities is a change in the conditions of receipt citizenship of the country. If earlier the passport of the Federal Republic of Germany could be obtained only after living in the country for 6-8 years and fulfilling the integration conditions, now the period of mandatory stay in the territory of the republic has been shortened to 3-5 years. Also, previously dual citizenship was not recognized in Germany, but now those who want to get a German passport may not give up their first citizenship.

The above-mentioned innovations will enter into legal force already on June 1, 2024. Thanks to these changes, some Ukrainian refugees will be able to apply for German citizenship already in March next year.

However, not everyone will be able to get a German passport in 3 years. Such an opportunity is given only to those who have achieved “special success in integration”.

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How to get German citizenship?

As before, in addition to the mandatory residence in Germany for a certain period, applicants must pass a language test (the result is not lower than level B1) and a test on basic knowledge of the laws, system and customs of the Federal Republic of Germany. Also, the new law allows becoming German citizens only to people who do not receive social benefits, but independently financially support themselves and their families. Previously, there was no such requirement for applicants.

What does “special progress in integration” mean?

If you want to get a German passport according to the shortened procedure (after 3 years of residence in the country), the result of the language test must be significantly higher (level C1). The applicant must also demonstrate “special successes in integration”. Here we are talking about high achievements in education, professional or volunteer activities.

It is possible to obtain citizenship under an accelerated procedure even without achieving such success in adaptation. To do this, you need to marry or marry a German citizen. Wives or husbands of residents of Germany are also entitled to receive a German passport 3 years after moving to Germany.

We will remind you that Germany is among the leading countries in terms of the number of Ukrainians who were granted asylum after the start of a full-scale war. Now registered in Germany 1.65 million Ukrainians.

 

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