Requirements for people from Syria Naturalization
Applying for Naturalization as a Syrian in Germany can be a complex process, but with the right information it becomes easier. In this section, you will find out which requirements must be met in order to obtain German citizenship. As with all naturalizations, the guideline is § 10 StAG. It states which conditions you must fulfill.
Legal residence
Before you can apply for a Naturalization , you must provide proof of a minimum period of residence in Germany.
- Minimum period of residence of 5 years: You must have lived legally in the Federal Republic of Germany for at least 5 years. You therefore need a legal Residence permit. Residence with a Tolerance permit is not included.
- Naturalization after 3 years: With a C1 certificate in German and special integration achievements such as academic performance, professional achievements or voluntary work, Syrians can be admitted to Naturalization after just 3 years.
- Residence permitYou need a residence permit with which you can apply to Naturalization .
With these residence rights, you cannot apply for German citizenship and cannot be naturalized:
§§ Sections 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23a, 24, 25 (3) to (5) and Section 104c AufenthG.
Proof of identity and nationality
Proving your identity is a central part of the naturalization process. This can be done in different ways:
- Presentation of your national passport: As a rule, you must present your Syrian national passport to confirm your identity and nationality.
- Alternatives in the absence of a national passport (graduated model): If the presentation of the national passport is unreasonable, other Syrian documents can be used. It is important to explain the reasons for the unreasonableness in detail and to provide alternative evidence.
In this video, we explain Clarification of identity with the step model:
Integration requirements
- German language skills (B1): You must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the German language, at least at level B1.
- Knowledge of the legal and social order: You must also have knowledge of the German legal and social order. This is done by taking the naturalization test (Test Leben in Deutschland).
Livelihood
Another important point is securing your livelihood.
- Independence from social benefits: You must be able to provide for yourself and your family without having to rely on social benefits.
- Exceptions: Exceptions can be made in certain cases, for example in the case of long-term guest workers.
Changes with the new Naturalization Act
The new Naturalization Act came into force on 27 June 2024. The new law also brings some changes for people from Syria, which can simplify and speed up the process of obtaining German citizenship:
- Naturalization a fterfive years instead of the previous eight years: Compared to the previous year, the length of stay has been reduced. This means that 5 years of residence with a Residence permit is sufficient for you.
- Naturalization after three years with special integration achievements: If you can provide proof of a C1 language certificate and a special integration achievement, then Naturalization will work for you after just 3 years.
Naturalization procedure for people from Syria
The path to Naturalization in Germany is clearly structured and comprises several important steps. This section explains the exact procedure and which documents and evidence are required.
Here we have illustrated the naturalization procedure for you in a diagram. The procedure is the same at Naturalization except for different documents (depending on the exception):
Application for Syrians
The application is the first official step in the naturalization process.
Required documents:
- Completed application for naturalization
- Valid Syrian passport or alternative documents in case of unreasonableness
- Proof of legal residence (e.g. Residence permit)
- Proof of German language skills (at least B1)
- Proof of means of subsistence
Submission of the application:
- The application is submitted to the relevant naturalization authority. Make sure that all documents are complete and correct to avoid delays.
Identity check for Naturalization people from Syria
The identity check is a central part of the naturalization procedure.
Documents for identity verification:
- Syrian national passport
- Alternatively: Other Syrian documents (birth certificate, extract from the marital status register) if it is unreasonable to go to the Syrian embassy
Dealing with the Syrian embassy:
- If the visit to the Syrian embassy is unreasonable, this must be explained in detail. Use alternative evidence and explain the unreasonableness in detail.
- Go through the process of clarifying your identity with a lawyer who can argue and comment on your case.
Naturalization test and language test
The integration requirements for Naturalization include a language test and a naturalization test.
- German language skills at B1 level or better
- Naturalization test, which tests knowledge of the German legal and social order
Submission of the application and decision
Once the application has been submitted, the authorities review and make a decision, followed by a period of waiting.
Duration of the procedure:
- The processing time can vary greatly. With the new Naturalization Act, the number of applications has increased. Without legal assistance, the Naturalization process can take several years.
Lawsuit for failure of act after 12 weeks:
- If no decision has been made after 12 weeks, you can file a complaint against the naturalization authority with the administrative court at Lawsuit for failure of act . The purpose of the complaint is to speed up the procedure.
Receipt of the naturalization certificate:
- After a successful examination and decision, you will receive a positive response from the authorities and an appointment to receive the naturalization certificate confirming your German citizenship.
Special features for children born in Germany to Syrian parents
There are special regulations and advantages for children born in Germany to Syrian parents that can make the naturalization process easier. These advantages and the necessary steps for registration in the family status register are explained in this section.
Registration in the marital status register
Registration in the Syrian marital status register is an essential step for Naturalization.
Necessary documents:
- Birth certificate of the child
- Registration extract from the Syrian marital status register
- Valid identification documents of the parents
- Proof of legal residence of the parents in Germany
Procedure:
- Parents must register the birth of their child at the relevant Syrian embassy.
- After registration, the parents receive an extract from the Syrian marital status register, which is required for the child's Naturalization in Germany.
Advantages for children born in Germany
Children born in Germany benefit from special regulations that simplify the naturalization process.
No obligation to present a national passport:
- Children born in Germany to Syrian parents do not need to present a Syrian national passport. An extract from the family register is sufficient to prove the identity and nationality of the child.
Less bureaucracy and faster Naturalization
- This regulation makes the naturalization process considerably easier, as it reduces bureaucratic hurdles and speeds up access to German citizenship.
In addition, Syrian children born in Germany and who have a parent who either has a Settlement permit or has lived legally in Germany for 5 years are automatically German at birth.
In this table, we have once again shown you the advantages for children born in Germany to people from Syria at Naturalization :
Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
No passport requirement | No Syrian national passport required |
Faster Naturalization | Simplified proof of identity and nationality |
Less bureaucracy | Reduction of bureaucratic hurdles |
Dual citizenship
The possibility of dual citizenship offers Syrian immigrants numerous advantages, both in Germany and in their home country. This section explains the legal regulations in Germany and Syria to give you a clear overview.
Legal regulations in Germany
With the new Naturalization Act, Germany has also adapted its law with regard to dual citizenship in order to better meet the needs of immigrants.
Recognition of dual citizenship:
- Since the reform of the Citizenship Act, dual citizenship has been permitted under German law.
- Naturalization applicants no longer have to give up their original citizenship, as was necessary under the old law.
Regulations in Syria
Syria also has specific regulations on the recognition of dual citizenship, which are important for immigrants. According to the Syrian Nationality Law, which is regulated by Decree No. 276 of 24.11.1969, the following points must be observed:
Recognition of dual citizenship under Syrian law:
- The Syrian Citizenship Law of 1969 recognizes dual citizenship.
- Syrian citizens can thus acquire German citizenship without having to give up their Syrian citizenship.
- Paragraph 10 of the law emphasizes that Syrians only lose their citizenship if they renounce their citizenship upon request and after approval by decree.
Effects on travel to Syria:
- Despite the recognition of dual citizenship, Syria continues to treat its citizens as Syrians, even if they have another citizenship.
- This means that Syrian citizenship has priority when traveling to Syria and that entry and residence are subject to Syrian law.
Frequent challenges and tips
The process of Naturalization can pose a number of challenges for many Syrians in Germany. This section outlines common difficulties and useful tips for overcoming these problems.
Dealing with authorities
Dealing well with the authorities is crucial for a smooth naturalization process. Here are some important aspects:
Communication and preparation:
- Prepare all the necessary documents in advance and make sure they are complete and up-to-date.
- Keep in regular contact with the relevant authorities and find out about the status of your application.
- Document all conversations and e-mail correspondence so that you can prove what information and promises were made if necessary.
Legal support:
- Consider seeking legal assistance from a lawyer who specializes in immigration law.
- A lawyer can help you clarify complex legal issues and ensure that your application meets the legal requirements.
- Take advantage of the advice offered by non-profit organizations that specialize in supporting immigrants.
Proof of identity without a national passport
A common problem for Syrian immigrants is proving their identity without a Syrian national passport. Here are some tips and alternative solutions:
Accepted alternative documents:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- School and university certificates
- Extract from the Syrian marital status register
Tips on how to justify the unreasonableness of a visit to the embassy:
- Explain in detail why a visit to the Syrian embassy is unreasonable for you. Examples could be: security concerns, threat of persecution, personal danger.
- Provide credible evidence to support your arguments, such as reports on the current political situation in Syria, medical certificates or witness statements.
- Use the step-by-step model for establishing your identity, in which alternative evidence is checked step by step to confirm your identity.
Background information on Naturalization Syrians in Germany
The Naturalization of Syrian citizens in Germany has increased significantly in recent years. This section sheds light on the background and developments of these naturalizations.
Largest group of all naturalized citizens in 2023
In the last five years, the number of Syrian naturalizations in Germany has increased significantly, the Federal Statistical Office announced in a press release in May 2024. The statistics included all Naturalization foreigners in Germany since the year 2000.
The increase is as follows:
Increase in naturalizations:
- In 2019: 3,855 Syrians were naturalized
- In 2020: 6,700 Syrians were naturalized
- In 2021: 19,095 Syrians were naturalized
- In 2022: 48,390 Syrians were naturalized
- In 2023: 75,485 Syrians were naturalized
This chart from Statista shows that Syria is the country from which most naturalized foreigners in Germany originate. Until 2021, Turkey was the leader in this statistic, but has since been overtaken by Syria.
Figures on the five most common countries with naturalizations in Germany in 2023:
- In 2023, a total of 200,100 foreigners were naturalized in Germany, most of them from Syria.
- With over 75,000 naturalizations and more than a third of all naturalizations in Germany in 2023, Syrian nationals make up a significant proportion of naturalized citizens and represent the largest group. Turkey is in second place with 10,735 naturalizations and Iraq is in third place with 10,710 naturalizations. Romania is in 4th place with 7,575 naturalizations and Afghanistan is in 5th place with 6,520 naturalizations.
Reason for flight and integration
The sharp increase in naturalizations of Syrian citizens is closely linked to the causes of flight and integration in Germany:
Reason for escape:
- Many Syrians fled the civil war and the associated humanitarian disasters, particularly between 2014 and 2016.
- Germany has taken in a large number of Syrian refugees, which has had a significant impact on naturalization figures.
Integration:
- Syrian citizens have integrated well in Germany, which is confirmed by the increasing number of naturalizations.
- Successful integration is reflected in participation in language courses, employment and social engagement.
Naturalization as a Syrian?
Conclusion - Naturalization as a Syrian
The Naturalization of Syrian citizens in Germany offers numerous advantages and is an important step towards integration. Here we summarize the most important points and give an outlook on future developments.
Summary of the most important points
The Naturalization of Syrians in Germany is characterized by clear legal regulations and simplified procedures:
Legal basis: The residence period for Naturalization has been shortened. You can apply for German citizenship after just five years, in special cases even after three years.
Process and requirements: You must present certain documents such as your national passport or alternative proof. German language skills at B1 level and knowledge of the German legal and social system are also required. If it is unreasonable for you to go to the Syrian embassy, you can prove this and use alternative documents.
Statistical development: In recent years, Syrian citizens have made up the largest group of naturalized citizens. This development reflects their successful integration in Germany.
Support services: There is a wide range of support in the form of legal advice and assistance from lawyers and non-profit organizations. They will help you prepare for naturalization tests and language exams.
Outlook for future developments
The naturalization policy and the integration of Syrian citizens will continue to be of great importance in the future:
Further development of the laws: It is expected that the naturalization requirements will be further simplified and adapted to make the process easier for you. In addition, the promotion of integration will be strengthened through targeted programs and measures.
Integration into society: In the long term, education, work and social engagement will open up new prospects for you. Other initiatives will support family reunification and social integration.
Future challenges: Naturalization policy must adapt to new political and social developments. Therefore, there will be continuous improvements in the support and advisory services for immigrants.
FAQ - The most important questions about Naturalization as a Syrian
Yes, Syrians can have dual citizenship. Germany and Syria recognize dual citizenship.
A refugee can apply for a German passport after five years of legal residence in Germany, under certain conditions even after three years.
The processing of a naturalization application can take different lengths of time. It depends on the situation and the individual case. With the new Naturalization Act, there are more applications on Naturalization. This automatically increases the waiting time. Experience has shown that Naturalization is always quicker if it is applied for with legal assistance. This eliminates errors that can easily happen when applying alone.
As a rule, you will need the following documents:
- National passport or alternative proof of identity
- Birth certificate
- Proof of sufficient knowledge of German (B1)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of livelihood
What requirements do I need for Naturalization as a Syrian?
- At least five years of legal residence in Germany (three years in the case of special integration achievements)
- Proof of identity and nationality
- German language skills at B1 level
- Knowledge of the German legal and social order
- Securing a livelihood without social benefits
Yes, according to Naturalization you can travel to Syria even if you have been granted German citizenship with a previous refugee status. Please note, however, that you will still be considered a Syrian citizen in Syria.
