Introduction
Germany is a diverse and vibrant country with a high quality of life. Settling there can be a rewarding experience, but it also involves certain processes for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship.
This article is going to assist you with the settling-in process and provide some insight into acquiring permanent residence and German citizenship.
Settlement Permit
A Settlement Permit is the key to opening the many doors you will come to face while in Germany.
If you are living and working in Germany under a temporary residence permit, and under the German Residence Act and are recognised as a skilled professional, under certain circumstances, you can apply for a permanent residence title, otherwise known as a Settlement Permit.
Requirements
There are several specific requirements that qualified professionals who wish to acquire settlement must fulfil to receive their permit.
- The required duration required for holding a residence permit ranges from 21 months (EU Blue Card with German language level A1) to 5 years, depending on the type of permit held.
- You can fully cover your cost of living without the need for public funding
- You have paid at least 36 months of contributions to the statutory pension insurance fund
- You possess sufficient knowledge of the German language (at least a A1 proficiency) and way of life – you can prove this by passing the Life In Germany test
- You have adequate living space for both you and your dependents
Once you are sure you have fulfilled the above requirements you can make an appointment at your nearest Foreigners’ Authority to apply for your Settlement Permit.
The cost of an application can also differ based on the job category you’re applying under. In general, an application will cost EUR 113.00. This changes, however, if you’re a highly qualified professional, or if you’re self-employed.
Naturalisation
Naturalisation is the process by which foreign nationals living and working in Germany are granted citizenship. The method of application can be quite complicated as there is a wide range of documents you must produce to prove that you are well-versed in the German way of life, the language, and the legal system.
Eligibility is as follows:
- You must have lived in Germany for eight years with a residence permit – however, this is due to change with new Germany immigration laws
- You can live independently and support yourself and your dependents without the need for public funding
- You must have the right to live in Germany indefinitely
- This can be best proved by acquiring a Settlement Permit
There are other more specific requirements that one can find on the official Federal Office website, but one is also required to prove knowledge of the German language (at a level of B1) and an innate knowledge of the German legal system.
Integration
Integration is a key aspect of obtaining German citizenship. Here are some requirements and important aspects to consider regarding integration:
- Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in the German language is, as mentioned before, essential. You’ll need to pass a language proficiency test, at the B1 level, as part of your citizenship application.
- Integration Courses
- Attending integration courses is also often mandatory for immigrants. These courses cover the German language, culture, history, and the legal and social systems in Germany.
- Cultural Understanding
- You need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of German culture, customs, values, and society. This includes familiarity with German history, politics, and everyday life.
- Community Participation
- Involvement in the local community also demonstrates your commitment to integrating into German society. Participation in social activities, volunteering, or being part of clubs and associations can be very beneficial.
- Employment or Education
- Having a job or pursuing education in Germany showcases your contribution to the country’s economy and society.
- Respect for Laws and Values
- Displaying respect for German laws, values, and the constitution is also vital. A clean criminal record and adherence to German laws are necessary for citizenship.
- Naturalisation Test
- As mentioned before, you will also need to pass a naturalisation test, which assesses your knowledge of Germany’s legal, social, and political systems.
Application Process
The application process for Naturalisation is two-staged. Stage one is submitting all required documents to the relevant authorities. There is also a fee for application, not just for you, but for each child applying as well.
If you are in a lower-income bracket, or there are many children for which to apply, this fee can be reduced or waived entirely.
Stage two is the interview stage, which will only be granted when the proper authorities have reviewed your application and decided that you are allowed an interview.
You will have to effectively motivate your reasoning for application, provide all the proof of effective integration, and take your naturalisation test.
Once you have completed both stages of the application, you will be granted German citizenship. You will then receive a German certificate of naturalisation, known as a “Einbürgerungszusicherung”, and you can then apply for a German passport or ID card.
Conclusion
Living in Germany offers numerous benefits, including excellent healthcare, a strong economy, a well-developed infrastructure, and a high standard of education. However, the bureaucracy and language barrier might present challenges.
The process of settling, obtaining residency, and citizenship can vary based on individual circumstances, such as your country of origin and the reason for your stay in Germany. It’s advisable to seek guidance from official government sources or legal experts specializing in immigration to ensure you navigate the process correctly.
Written by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
