Stricter citizenship rules to be enforced in Germany

Stricter citizenship rules are being enforced in Germany which will make it harder for foreign nationals to attain citizenship. Today in Germany foreigners are generally eligible for German citizenship if they have lived in the country for eight years or more.

False identity

The stricter rules mean to deter asylum seekers from providing false information about their identities.

A draft law has been drawn up by the ministry that targets immigrants who have been living in Germany under a false name or provided authorities with incorrect information about their country of origin when they arrived.

Changes to residence permits

The draft law would also create a second significant hurdle to citizenship by changing the rules on residence permits. Under the new measures, immigrants found living under a false identity would be denied an unlimited or permanent residence permit. The law would make the “clarification of identity and nationality” a prerequisite for attaining permanent resident status. Immigrants could still attain a time-limited residency permit, but the permanent resident status is required for German citizenship.

Withholding citizenship from children

The German government’s plans to apply stricter citizenship rules also have a direct impact on children of foreign nationals, even if they were born in Germany. To present, babies born in Germany to two non-German parents can typically become citizens, if one of their parents has been living in the country for eight years.

Under the new rules, children would only be granted German citizenship if their parents prove their identity and nationality. The Interior Ministry’s draft law is currently being reviewed by the other ministries and must gain their approval before moving on to parliament.