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.
- 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 Proficiency (B1): You must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the German language, at least at the B1 level. Proof of proficiency may be provided either through an official language certificate (B1) or a German school or vocational training diploma.
- Knowledge of the legal and social system: In addition, you must have knowledge of the German legal and social system. Thisis demonstrated by passing the naturalization test (“Test Leben in Deutschland”) or by holding a German school or vocational training diploma.
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 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
- A valid Syrian national passport or alternative documents if the passport is not reasonably required
- Proof of legal residence (e.g. Residence permit)
- Proof of German language skills (at least B1)
- Proof of means of subsistence
Our tip: In our guide,“Applying for German Citizenship: The Documents You Need,”you’ll find a detailed list of all the documents you need for the application to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees ( Naturalization ).
Submission of the application:
- The application must be submitted to the naturalization authority responsible for your place of residence. Make sure all documents are complete and accurate 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 civil registry) if the above is not reasonably feasible.
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:
- Processing times can vary widely. With the new naturalization law, the number of applications has risen sharply. Without legal assistance, the naturalization process ( Naturalization ) can often take several years in many cities.
Lawsuit for failure of act after 12 weeks:
- If no decision has been made after 12 weeks, you can file a Lawsuit for failure of act file a lawsuit against the naturalization authority in administrative court. The purpose of the lawsuit is to expedite the proceedings.
Receipt of the naturalization certificate:
- Once your application has been successfully reviewed and a decision has been made, you will receive a positive response from the authorities and an appointment to pick up your naturalization certificate, which confirms your German citizenship.
Special Considerations for Children of Syrian Parents
Children of Syrian parents may be granted German citizenship at birth in Germany under certain conditions. If this is not the case, they may be naturalized along with their parents.
German Citizenship by Birth in Germany
Under Section 4(3) of the German Nationality Act (StAG), children of foreign parents automatically acquire German citizenship if, at the time of their birth in Germany, at least one parent:
- has been living legally in Germany for at least 5 years and
- has a permanent right of residence, such as a Settlement permit
Important: All three requirements must be met: The child must be born in Germany, and at least one parent must have been legally residing in Germany for five years and hold a permanent right of residence.
If that is the case, the child automatically becomes a German citizen at birth. An application for naturalization is not required.
Naturalization together with the parents
If a child did not acquire German citizenship at birth, the child may be naturalized along with the parents. This applies to both children born in Germany and those born abroad.
The advantage: Under Section 10(2) of the German Nationality Act (StAG), minor children may be naturalized along with their parents even if they themselves have not yet lived legally in Germany for five years.
For children under 16, a three-year period of residence is generally sufficient. For children under six, it is sufficient if they have spent half their lives in Germany.
For children under 16, simplified requirements also apply to the " Naturalization":
- You do not have to take a naturalization test
- You do not need to demonstrate B1-level proficiency in German
- Age-appropriate language development is sufficient. This means that the child's German language skills must be appropriate for their age and stage of development.
Important: Regardless of whether the child was born in Germany or abroad, the child’s identity and citizenship must be verified for the “ Naturalization .” A valid national passport is generally required for this purpose.
If obtaining a Syrian national passport is impossible or unreasonable, other documents may also be used to establish Clarification of identity . The so-called tiered approach applies.
Eased Requirements for the " Naturalization " of Children of Syrian Parents
Situation | Regulation |
|---|---|
The child is born in Germany. At least one parent has been living legally in Germany for five years and has a permanent right of residence. | The child automatically receives German citizenship. An application for naturalization is not necessary. |
The child was born abroad OR did not automatically acquire German citizenship at birth in Germany. | Minor children may be naturalized together with their parents. |
The child has not yet lived in Germany for five years.
| It is still possible to be naturalized along with one's parents.
|
The child is under 16 years old. | Simplified Requirements: No naturalization test or B1 certificate is required. Language development in German appropriate for the applicant’s age is sufficient. |
The child does not have a Syrian national passport. | Identity must generally be verified first with a national passport. If obtaining one is impossible or unreasonable, other forms of identification may also be used.
|
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 provide you with a clear overview.
Legal regulations in Germany
With the new naturalization law, Germany has also amended its legislation on 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
Effective communication with government agencies is crucial for a smooth process. Here are some important points to consider:
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.
Important: Under the new tiered system, you must generally first prove your identity and citizenship with a valid national passport. Only if it can be demonstrated that obtaining a passport is impossible or unreasonable will the authorities accept other forms of identification.
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
- In 2024: 83,185 Syrians were naturalized
- In 2025: 65,574 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.
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 length of residence required for Naturalization reduced. You can now apply for German citizenship after just 5 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.
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 5 years of legal residence in Germany
- 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.
