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Publication date: 08.05.2024
Lawyer
How to get German citizenship ? What is required to obtain German citizenship ? How to get German citizenship quickly ?
Methods of obtaining German citizenship.
Germany is a prosperous European country with a high standard of living and many prospects for development. Obtaining German citizenship opens the way to free movement, employment and business within the European Union. There are several ways for Ukrainians to acquire German citizenship, let's consider them in more detail.
Obtaining by ethnic origin
According to the citizenship law, Germans by nationality are entitled to a simplified naturalization procedure in Germany. Proof of German ancestry must be provided, including archival documents, register books, letters, family histories, etc.
For ethnic Germans, there is a separate special way to obtain citizenship through branches of the resettlement department abroad. The candidate is interviewed and tested for knowledge of the German language and culture. The entire process takes 12 to 24 months.
Receiving by birth
Children born after January 1, 2000 on the territory of Germany automatically receive citizenship, provided that at least one parent has legally resided in the country for 8 years. For babies who were born before 2000, there is a different procedure for granting citizenship.
Naturalization through marriage
Foreigners who are in a registered marriage with a German citizen can apply for citizenship after 3 years of cohabitation. At the same time, they must prove the availability of legal means of livelihood and basic knowledge of the German language.
Acquisition through naturalization
Naturalization is available to foreigners after 8 years of legal continuous residence in the country. It is necessary to pass the German language exam at the B1 level, confirm sources of income, absence of criminal records and loyalty to Germany. For refugees, this period is reduced to 6 years under additional conditions.
Other ways
Descendants of the victims of Nazi persecution of Jewish origin can also claim a simplified procedure for acquiring German citizenship. Highly paid specialists under the "EU Blue Card" program also have advantages in naturalization.
Acquisition of German citizenship opens up a number of important rights and opportunities. Among the main benefits for German citizens:
The right to vote - you get the opportunity to vote in elections at various levels and take an active part in the political life of the country.
Freedom of movement - as a citizen of Germany, you will have the right to move freely within the territory of Germany and the countries of the European Union.
The right to assembly and association - the ability to freely create public organizations, trade unions, etc.
Consular protection - abroad you will have the right to support from German diplomatic institutions.
Full access to the labor market and the opportunity to work in the public service.
Open paths for studying, starting a business and other types of activities without restrictions for foreigners.
At the same time, together with the rights, German citizenship imposes certain obligations - to integrate into society, to respect the laws of Germany, to perform military duty if necessary. But in general, citizenship opens new horizons of opportunities in a developed country.
In summary, the standard way of obtaining citizenship for Ukrainians remains naturalization through marriage or a long legal stay. An expedited option is available for ethnic Germans who can prove their origin. Provided you meet all the requirements, you will open up a number of opportunities in developed Germany.
