Naturalization as a refugee

Special facilitations for recognized refugees

As a recognized refugee, you will be given special consideration for naturalization. The law provides for a number of simplifications to make it easier for you to obtain German citizenship.

The benevolence principle

The principle of goodwill applies to recognized refugees. This means that the authorities should examine your naturalization procedure sympathetically and, where possible, speed it up.

Shortened length of stay

As part of the so-called discretionary naturalization process, a shorter period of residence in Germany is required for you as a recognized refugee. Instead of the usual eight years, a legal stay of six years is generally sufficient for you.

Recognition of the time of the asylum procedure

A very important regulation for you is that the time you spent in Germany during your asylum procedure can be counted towards the required period of residence. This applies to the time during which you had a temporary residence permit, provided that your asylum application was later successful and you were granted protection.

Retention of your previous nationality

With the latest amendments to the law, it is now generally possible to retain one's previous nationality when naturalizing. The principle of avoiding multiple nationalities has been abandoned. For recognized refugees, however, the rule has always been that giving up the nationality of origin was considered unreasonable and therefore could not be demanded.

The general requirements for your naturalization

In addition to the special facilitations, recognized refugees must also meet the general requirements for naturalization. However, there are also areas in which your particular situation will be taken into account.

Clarification of your identity

A basic prerequisite for any naturalization is that your identity and nationality have been clarified.

Easier verification

As a recognized refugee, you cannot reasonably be expected to contact the authorities in your country of origin in order to obtain documents. This is why it is easier for you to provide evidence.

How you can prove your identity

If you do not have official documents such as a national passport or birth certificate or are unable to obtain them, you can also prove your identity in another way. This is done in a step-by-step model:

• The first step is to check whether other government documents from the home country are available, such as a driver's license, a registration certificate or school reports.
• If this is also not possible, other evidence can be used. This includes, for example, unofficial documents or the statements of witnesses, such as family members whose identity has already been established.
• Only if this does not lead to the desired result can your identity be considered proven in individual cases on the basis of your own conclusive and credible information.

The role of the refugee passport

If you have been issued a travel document for refugees without the restrictive note that your personal details are based on your own information, this can serve as proof of your identity.

Securing your livelihood

In principle, you must be able to provide for yourself and your family without state assistance in the form of citizen's allowance (formerly unemployment benefit II) or social assistance.

Exceptions to the maintenance guarantee

There is one important exception to this rule: If you are not responsible for receiving these benefits, this does not prevent you from being naturalized. This means that the reasons for receiving benefits will be examined.

Which services are harmless

There are a number of state benefits that do not stand in the way of your naturalization. These include, for example

• Child benefit or child supplement
• Parental allowance
• Benefits according to BAföG
• Housing benefit

Language skills and knowledge about Germany

Sufficient knowledge of German

You must have sufficient knowledge of the German language. This corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The naturalization test

In addition, you must demonstrate knowledge of the legal and social order as well as living conditions in Germany. This is usually done by passing the naturalization test.

Exceptions to the requirements

If you are unable to meet the requirements for language skills or the naturalization test due to a physical, mental or psychological illness, a disability or due to your age, these requirements will be waived.

Impunity

You must not have been convicted of a serious criminal offense. However, minor convictions do not stand in the way of naturalization. As a rule, fines of up to 90 daily rates or prison sentences of up to three months that have been suspended are harmless.

Commitment to the constitution

You must declare your commitment to the free democratic basic order of the Basic Law. In doing so, you declare your commitment to the central values of the German constitution, such as democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.