The main change that will affect Germany's Citizenship Law
In an effort to adjust citizenship laws to match the number of foreigners wanting to live in Germany, current discussions about a law change are taking place in parliament.
To break it down, Nancy Faeser, Germanys current Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, is vouching to reduce the time needed to gain the German citizenship.
As of right now, legal working foreigners in Germany may receive their German citizenship after 8 years of working/living in the country. If the newly proposed law goes through parliament, this may be reduced to 5 years and even 3 years, if you show great levels of integration into the German society under good circumstances. This may include factors such as: advanced levels of German knowledge, work-related achievements and volunteering.
Exceptions apply
While the opportunity to gain the German citizenship faster stands for most applications, there are a few exclusions which forbid certain individuals from the faster paced way to their German citizenship.
For one, a clean criminal record is needed. Especially offenders of racially motivated crimes will be denied.
Individuals under “Duldung” (remaining in Germany due to a ban on deportations to their home country) are also not eligible for the shortened citizenship.
Dual citizenship for everyone
Another part of the proposed law is abandoning the ban on dual citizenship for non-EU residents.
Right now, only members of EU countries are allowed to keep their original passport when migrating to Germany and accepting their German citizenship. With this change, anyone can keep their original citizenship when migrating to Germany. This change in citizenship will allow migrant workers to keep part of their identity, rather than discharging it in order to live in Germany.
Stay with us to learn what this means if you are looking to study in Germany.
Exceptions
A single, rather rare exclusion applies: individuals, who join foreign armed forces (or similar organizations) or terrorist organizations, will lose their German citizenship upon doing so.
Implications for students
What faster access to German citizenship means for students
Beyond the student life phase, this said change can have long-term career implications. Many students, after experiencing Germany's robust educational system, high quality of life, and numerous career opportunities, often contemplate settling in the country post-graduation. A faster route to citizenship not only enables a smoother transition into the German workforce, but also provides a sense of security and belonging.
Furthermore, a reduced time frame to obtain citizenship might motivate students to invest more deeply in understanding the language, culture, and civic responsibilities, given the dream of becoming a full-fledged citizen in a shorter duration.
Moreover, those who show excellence in their academic journey or contribute through volunteering can possibly see themselves becoming citizens in just three years, making Germany an even more attractive destination for ambitious and proactive international students.
Why dual citizenship is attractive for students
Dual citizenship, especially for students, offers lots of benefits that can enrich their academic journey and shape their future prospects. Here's a dive into these advantages:
Educational Opportunities: Having dual citizenship often provides students with access to universities, scholarships, and programs in both countries. This can widen the range of academic experiences and resources available to them.
Financial Benefits: In many countries, citizens enjoy reduced tuition fees compared to international students. With dual citizenship, a student might be eligible for local tuition rates in two countries, potentially leading to significant cost savings.
Work Opportunities: Post-graduation, students can often work without restriction in either country, broadening their career prospects. They might not need work permits, which simplifies the job-hunting process.
Networking: Being a part of two communities can exponentially increase networking opportunities. Alumni networks, local contacts, and community groups in both countries can be a goldmine for career and personal growth.
Flexibility in Living: Dual citizenship generally offers the freedom to live, study, and work in either country without going through complex immigration processes.
Access to Public Services: In many countries, certain public services, like healthcare or library facilities, are more readily accessible to citizens. Dual citizenship might mean students have these benefits in two places.
Travel: With two passports, global mobility can be enhanced. Some countries have visa-free access to nations that the other does not, making international travel for conferences, internships, or leisure smoother.
Whether the upcoming draft of the proposed law will be legislated is still unclear. Expect that the law is subject to changes!
How to make the first step to study and get your citizenship in Germany!
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