Securing your livelihood
A central aspect of Naturalization in Germany is securing your livelihood. This means that you must be able to provide for yourself and your family without state support.
What does securing your livelihood mean?
Securing your livelihood is one of the basic requirements for Naturalization according to § 10 StAG and means that you can cover the necessities of daily life and those of your family on your own through your own income or assets without help from the state and do not receive any help with living expenses. This includes, among other things
- Salary payments from gainful employment
- Income from self-employment
- Pensions or similar income
It is important that you do not receive any social benefits such as unemployment benefit II or social assistance SGB XII, as this can have a negative impact on Naturalization . This regulation ensures that you are financially independent and not dependent on state support.
Inadmissible social benefits such as assistance with living expenses
For the Naturalization you must not receive any inadmissible social benefits from the employment office or social welfare office of the city or your district. These include
- Unemployment benefit II
- Social assistance
- Citizen's income
- Benefits according to SGB xii (Social Code)
- Assistance with living expenses
- Benefits from the job center
Applying for and receiving these benefits may jeopardize your application for Naturalization as it indicates that your livelihood is not secure. However, there are certain benefits that are unproblematic and do not have a negative impact on your application, such as
- Child benefit
- Pension for basic security in old age and reduced earning capacity
- BAföG
- Housing benefit
- Child and youth welfare services in accordance with Book Eight of the German Social Code
- Child-raising and parental allowance
- Pensions from social insurance
- Sickness benefit
- Unemployment benefit
- Training assistance and benefits under the Long-Term Care Insurance Act
Exceptions for involuntary unemployment and childcare
There are certain exceptions and special circumstances in which it is permissible to apply to the social welfare office for social benefits. If you are unemployed through no fault of your own and can prove that you are actively looking for a new job, this can be taken into account. Periods in which you are looking after small children and are therefore unable to work can also be considered an exception.
In such cases you should:
- Provide evidence of your job search efforts
- Submit documents about the care of your children
By securing your livelihood and meeting these requirements, you are taking an important step towards Naturalization and demonstrating that you are able to lead an independent and autonomous life in Germany.
As a general rule, although you may be entitled to assistance with living expenses and apply for assistance with living expenses, the more you need state assistance, the more difficult it is to convince the naturalization authority that you can support yourself.
Proof of secure livelihood without assistance
Proof of a secure livelihood is an essential part of your naturalization process. It is important that you submit all the necessary documents correctly and in full to prove your financial independence.
Practical tips for verification
A few practical tips can help you to successfully provide proof of a secure livelihood:
- Completeness: Make sure that all required documents are complete and up-to-date.
- Clarity: Prepare your documents in a structured and easy-to-read format.
- Increase income: If your income is tight, look into ways of increasing it, for example by taking on additional work or self-employment.
- Professional help: Consider getting help from a lawyer or counselor to ensure that all requirements are met.
Calculation of living expenses without assistance
The calculation of secure subsistence is based on certain criteria that take into account your income and expenditure situation. The following factors play a role here:
- Monthly net income
- Fixed costs: rent, ancillary costs
- Maintenance obligations: Towards children or other family members
To ensure that your livelihood is considered secure, your income should significantly exceed the necessary expenditure. A detailed list of your monthly income and expenditure helps to make the calculation transparent and comprehensible.
Documents required as proof of livelihood
You must submit various documents to prove that you have a secure livelihood. These serve to prove your income situation and your ability to provide for yourself and your family.
The most important documents include things like a rental agreement, proof that you are employed or able to work and a list of the costs for accommodation and heating. Proof that you have taken out health insurance and long-term care insurance is also proof of independence.
Enclosed is a table for listing the documents:
Document | Description |
|---|---|
Payroll accounting | The last three months |
Employment contract | Proof of permanent employment or self-employment |
Rental agreement | Proof of housing costs or home ownership |
Tax assessments | Tax assessment notices for the last year. For self-employment in the last 2 years |
Further conditions for the Naturalization
In addition to securing your livelihood, there are other important conditions that you must fulfill for Naturalization in Germany. These ensure, for example, that you integrate into German society not only economically, but also socially and politically.
Declaration of loyalty and commitment to the free democratic basic order
A central component of the naturalization process is the declaration of loyalty. You must confirm in writing that you recognize and support the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany. This means
- Recognition of fundamental rights
- Acceptance of democratic principles and the rule of law
- Refraining from activities that violate the free democratic basic order
This declaration is an important step in demonstrating your commitment to the values and laws of Germany.
Successful naturalization test and language certificates
In order to prove your integration, you must successfully pass the naturalization test and demonstrate sufficient knowledge of German.
- You must provide proof of German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or alternatives in the event that you came to Germany as a guest worker or contract worker or attended school in Germany or can provide proof of language skills through training.
- According to the new naturalization law, guest workers and contract workers only have to prove a basic language level (A1).
Clarification of identity
For Naturalization it is necessary to clarify your identity. You must present various documents for this purpose:
- Valid passport or identity card
- Birth certificate
- Proof of other identity documents (marriage certificate, civil status register, driver's license)
Proof of legal residence
In addition to the conditions already mentioned, you must also prove that you are legally resident in Germany. This includes
- A valid Residence permit
- Proof of the duration of your stay (registration certificates, residence permits)
- For the Naturalization you must have lived legally in Germany for 5 years with Residence permit .
- With a C1 certificate and special integration achievements (voluntary work, academic achievements, professional achievements), the Naturalization goes after 3 years.
Effects of social benefits on the Naturalization
The type of social benefits you receive can have a significant impact on your naturalization process. It is important to know which benefits are unproblematic and which can have a negative impact on your application.
Unproblematic social benefits (child benefit, pension, BAföG)
Some social benefits are considered unproblematic and have no negative influence on your naturalization application. These benefits are not seen as an indicator that your livelihood is not secure. These include
- Child benefit: This benefit is paid for every child up to the age of 18, or longer if certain conditions are met. Child benefit is independent of your income and shows your support for the family.
- Pension: Regular pension payments that you receive based on your work performance are also not assessed negatively. They show that you have long-term financial planning.
- BAföG: This educational grant for students and pupils is also considered unproblematic as it supports your educational efforts and is temporary.
- Other benefits: Other benefits that are not problematic are child and youth welfare benefits in accordance with Book Eight of the Social Security Code, child-raising and parental benefits, social security pensions, sickness benefit, unemployment benefit, training assistance and benefits in accordance with the Long-Term Care Insurance Act and housing benefit.
Influence of housing benefit on the Naturalization
Housing benefit is a state subsidy to cover housing costs and is paid to households that cannot fully cover their rental costs from their own income.
- Positive influence: Housing benefit can be seen as a positive if it shows that you are actively working to secure your livelihood and only need limited state support.
It is important that you state in your application exactly why you are receiving housing benefit and how you also secure your livelihood. You can submit the following documents for this purpose:
- Proof of income and assets that show your efforts to become self-sufficient
- Rental agreements and current rental certificates
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
There are some common mistakes in the naturalization process that you should avoid in order to make your application successful. Careful preparation and precise knowledge of the requirements can help you.
Incomplete applications
One of the most common mistakes is submitting incomplete applications. An incomplete application can lead to delays or even cause your application to be rejected. Make sure that you:
- Complete all necessary forms in full
- Leave no questions unanswered
- Provide all required signatures
It is advisable to use a checklist to ensure that all parts of the application are completed and all required supporting documents are attached.
Incorrect or missing documents
Another common mistake is submitting incorrect or missing documents. The authorities need accurate and complete information to check your application. Avoid mistakes by:
- Submit all required documents according to the requirements
- Ensure that the documents are up-to-date and in the correct form
- Make copies of original documents and have them notarized if necessary
Here is a list of important documents that are frequently required:
- Passport or identity card
- Birth certificate
- Proof of legal residence (Residence permit, registration certificates)
- Proof of income (payslips, tax assessment notices) as evidence that you are able to support yourself and your family on your own.
- Proof of language skills and the naturalization test
Tips for preparation
Thorough preparation is the key to success with your naturalization application. Here are some practical tips to avoid mistakes and ensure your application goes smoothly:
- Inform yourself thoroughly: familiarize yourself with the requirements and necessary documents.
- Use a checklist: Create a checklist of all the necessary documents and steps to keep track of everything.
- Seek advice: Consider getting assistance from a lawyer or counseling service to make sure you meet all the requirements.
- Double check: Check all documents and details several times to avoid errors.
- Punctuality: Make sure that you meet all deadlines and submit the application on time.
Livelihood for Naturalization?
Conclusion on securing a livelihood with the Naturalization
Summary of the most important points
Securing a livelihood is a key requirement for Naturalization in Germany. Here are the most important points at a glance:
- You must prove that you can support yourself without inadmissible social benefits such as unemployment benefit II or social assistance XII.
- Unproblematic social benefits such as child benefit, pension or BAföG are acceptable.
- Proof of a secure livelihood requires a large number of documents, including payslips, bank statements and rental agreements.
- Exceptions apply in the case of involuntary unemployment or caring for young children, provided that appropriate evidence is provided.
Recommendations for applicants
To make your application to Naturalization a success, please note the following recommendations:
- Completeness: Make sure that all required documents are up-to-date and complete.
- Structure: Prepare your documents clearly and legibly.
- Optimize your income: Look at ways to increase your income and reduce unnecessary expenses.
- Take advantage of advice: If necessary, get support from lawyers or advice centers.
- Adhere to deadlines: Make sure you meet all deadlines exactly to avoid delays.
FAQ - The most important questions about living expenses
Subsistence includes all the necessary means to cover your basic needs such as housing, food, clothing and health care.
The cost of living for a person varies depending on the region and individual circumstances, but generally covers the basic necessities of daily life.
The rate for living expenses is adjusted annually and is based on the standard requirement according to ALG II of the Federal Employment Agency. Current values can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
Securing your livelihood means that you are financially independent and do not receive inadmissible social benefits such as unemployment benefit II or social assistance XII. The less in need of help
Housing benefit can be assessed both positively and negatively depending on your situation. It is accepted as supplementary support if your livelihood is largely secured.
You provide proof of your livelihood by submitting documents such as payslips, bank statements, employment contracts and rental agreements.
