Germany - Access to nationality




Most migrants must be long-term residents for 8 years before they are eligible for German citizenship. Their children and grandchildren must fulfil additional requirements before becoming citizens of their country of birth. To naturalise, applicants must meet conditions that are the third least favourable of the 28 MIPEX countries after AT and DK. They must pass a language exam, integration test and criminal records check, and must prove that they have sufficient income. Their applications can still be rejected, or their nationality later withdrawn, regardless of many personal circumstances or how long they have been a citizen. A 24 May 2006 Federal Constitutional Court decision required withdrawals to have certain time limits though their length is still to be defined. Germany only allows dual nationality for naturalising migrants based on exceptions and for the children of foreigners under heavy conditions.


Germany's Länder keep control over citizenship testing
Germany scores worse in 2006 than 2004 on two indicators. Applicants can now be rejected for their criminal record as a threat to public security and order. Moreover, the May 2006 Conference of Interior ministers gave the 16 Länder significant room for manoeuvre in deciding how to assess an applicant's knowledge of German language and basic values. In some Länder, migrants may have to pass an expensive written exam that demands a high-level knowledge of German language, culture and society. For best practice on conditions see country profiles for Portugal and Sweden. 


Results by strand

Germany - Overview
Germany - Labour market access
Germany - Family reunion
Germany - Long-term residence
Germany - Political participation
Germany - Access to nationality
Germany - Anti-discrimination
Germany - Public perceptions
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