1 - 10 of 950 Entries in personal matter “#Naturalisation”

  • If you or your ancestors were deprived of German citizenship during the National Socialist era, you can apply for re-naturalisation under certain conditions.

  • If you live abroad, were once German and would like to become so again, you can apply for re-naturalisation under certain conditions.

  • If you are a foreigner and wish to become a German citizen with all rights and obligations, you are entitled to naturalization under certain conditions.

  • You can apply for the binding determination of your German citizenship if you have a legitimate interest in doing so.
  • Entry / transit - Schengen countries
    Students from third countries (non-EU countries) who have a residence permit in Germany (settlement permit or residence permit) do not need a visa for the Schengen states. This applies to both transit and stays of up to three months. The prerequisite is that they have a valid national passport from their country of origin and a German residence permit.


    Entry / transit through EU member states, but not Schengen states
    For entry into and transit to an EU member state that is not a Schengen state, the student collection list was developed for class trips of general schools and vocational schools. Students from third countries no longer need a visa for entry / transit if they are entered on such a list. If the student collection list is provided with passport photos, it even replaces the passport.
  • If family members of a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area who are entitled to free movement and they do not have EU citizenship themselves, a residence card for family members of EU and EEA citizens can be applied for at the responsible immigration department.
  • For a maximum of one year of work and travel, the following age limits apply in Germany for participation in the program:
    • For Japan, Korea and New Zealand between 18 and under 31 years of age
    • For Australia between 18 and under 31 years of age
    • For Canada between 18 and under 36 years of age


    Working holiday agreements exist between Germany and Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Chile.

    The Youth Mobility Agreement exists between Germany and Canada.
  • Residence permit for citizens of Switzerland and their family members according to the agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation of June 21, 1999.
  • Issuance of an EU Blue Card for highly qualified foreigners to take up employment that is appropriate to their qualifications.

    The EU Blue Card is issued for four years if the employment contract is open-ended or has been concluded for a period of at least four years. For shorter employment contracts, the EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment relationship plus three months.

    In the first two years of employment, the permission of the Aliens Department must be obtained before changing jobs.

    Citizens of a non-EU country can apply for the EU Blue Card (residence permit for highly qualified employment) in order to pursue highly qualified employment in Germany.
  • Foreigners who want to stay in Germany need a residence permit.

    Since September 1st, 2011, the electronic residence permit (eAT) has replaced the residence permit issued as adhesive labels:

    • the residence permit, settlement permit and long-term residence permit issued so far as an adhesive label,
    • the residence card and the permanent residence card.

    The previous residence permits in the passports and passport substitute papers remain valid. An exchange / transfer does not take place and is also not required as long as the title and passport are valid.

    The electronic residence permit (eAT) will be reissued

    All third-country nationals (including infants and small children) receive their own electronic residence permit.

    Without exception, the foreigners department responsible for the place of residence is responsible.

    The electronic residence permit is issued in credit card format. It contains a contactless chip. The following biometric data of the cardholder is stored on the chip:

    • 1. Photo,
    • 2. Fingerprints (from the age of 6).

    Only official bodies (such as immigration authorities, police, registration authorities) are allowed to read the contents of the chip.

    The validity of the electronic residence permit depends on the duration of the residence permit and also requires a valid passport. In the case of permanent residence permits, the card itself is valid for a maximum of 10 years.

    If desired, the eAT can also be used as an online identification function or a qualified electronic signature. The responsible immigration authorities can provide more information. You can obtain detailed information on online use and other functions by calling 01801-333333 (3.9 ct / minute / landline).