Importance of the German passport for foreign students
The Naturalization as a student and therefore the German passport is very important for foreign students. The fact that the German passport is now one of the strongest passports in the world, with over 190 visa-free travel options, has given it additional power. Another reason is that the German passport gives you a great deal of freedom and German citizenship brings many advantages, especially in terms of studies and career. In addition, the German passport provides security and the opportunity to make long-term plans.
The role of Naturalization for foreign students
For foreign students, Naturalization offers many opportunities. With Naturalization , you can easily visit your family in your country of origin during the semester break.
With Naturalization as a student, you no longer have to worry about being deported to your home country. In addition, German citizenship gives students the opportunity to have more security with regard to their future in Germany. This means that you have taken another important step towards integration in Germany and are in possession of many career options that would not be available without a German passport.
The focus on the goal of the job
In order to have a good chance of getting onto Naturalization as a student, it is important that you make it clear that you are interested in a professional future in Germany. This sets you apart from students who are only in Germany for further education.
The sooner you have the will to spend your career and future in Germany, the better it is to make this clear during your studies and communicate that you want to work in Germany after graduation. In this way, you show a clear willingness to contribute to German society and the German state and send a clear signal of your willingness to integrate.
The best way is to consciously choose a course of study with a future career that is needed in Germany and for which there is a high shortage of skilled workers and personnel.
The German state has the goal of solving this shortage of skilled workers and personnel, and this requires people from abroad. The opportunity to have contributed to solving this economic problem is a great thing.
Naturalization as a student?
The basics of Naturalization as a student
An understanding of the basics of Naturalization as a student is important in order to understand how it is possible to become naturalized as a student with a low income. Unlike a normal employer or a pensioner, the decision of the naturalization authority depends on other things. Accordingly, Naturalization as a student differs from the usual naturalization process in a few respects.
Requirements for the German passport as a student
A basic requirement is that the length of stay is correct and that the Residence permit entitles you to a Naturalization . You cannot apply for a Naturalization with the Residence permit § 16 AufenthG, the student visa. In this case, it is the best way to complete your studies. You can then change to Residence permit and then apply for Naturalization . There are other residence rights with which the Naturalization does not work. Read more about this in the following blog post.
In addition to the basic requirement of 8 years of legal residence and the legitimate Residence permit, you need a B1 language certificate, a successful naturalization test, a signed declaration of loyalty, clarification of your identity and proof that you can support yourself in the long term.
The contrasts between Naturalization and residence permit
If you successfully complete Naturalization , you have a German passport, are a German citizen and can never have your right of residence revoked. With a residence permit, on the other hand, you have permission to stay in Germany. You do not have the same rights as with an Naturalization residence permit.
A Naturalization gives you a lot of freedom and political rights that are not possible with a residence permit. With a residence permit it is also not possible to travel to over 190 countries without a visa, this only works with a German passport.
Naturalization during your studies
The Naturalization as a student during your studies only works if you do not have a Residence permit according to §16 AufenthG, i.e. no student visa. For example, if you have a Residence permit with refugee status, then Naturalization as a student is possible. The decisive factor as to whether the application for Naturalization works is the naturalization authority's prognosis as to whether you are able to support yourself. The procedure is similar to the application for Naturalization as a trainee.
Naturalization after your studies
A Naturalization after completing their studies is particularly suitable for people who have a Residence permit with a student visa. The Naturalization does not work with a student visa. Accordingly, finish your studies and complete them successfully.
Once you have obtained a job, you can switch from Residence permit § 16 AufenthG to the right of residence § 18b AufenthG. With this Residence permit you can then apply for Naturalization as a skilled worker with an academic qualification. Another option is to first apply for the Settlement permit and then the Naturalization .
Special features for students at Naturalization
Similar to the Naturalization of trainees, there are also special features and exceptions in individual points for students at Naturalization . The reason for this are certain arguments that students, just like trainees, can present and which are then taken into account when assessing and deciding on the Naturalization .
The livelihood forecast
The decisive factor for every application to Naturalization , whether from a student, trainee or employee, is the means of subsistence. Forecasts are made to determine whether the livelihood is secured. There are special exceptions to these forecasts for students, which are assessed as criteria.
For example, a student may have a low income or only receive Bafög and still receive a positive prognosis. The reason for this can be particularly good grades at school or a good interim report at university. If you are also studying a subject in which there is a shortage of skilled workers in Germany, the chances increase even further.
The aim is to determine how the applicant will be able to earn a living in the future. A degree course with a high shortage of skilled workers and good chances of being taken on is then a very important criterion.
In the end, this forecast is also more important than the amount of income you can prove or whether you are only able to support yourself with BAföG. A Naturalization with student BAföG can therefore work if the Residence permit is correct and the forecast decision is positive. The Naturalization as a student can therefore also work with a low income.
Right of residence during the Naturalization
The right of residence during Naturalization as a student is very important. There are some Residence permit with which the Naturalization does not work. These are the following rights of residence: §§ 16a, 16b, 16d, 16e, 16f, 17, 18d, 18f, 19, 19b, 19e, 20, 22, 23 paragraph 1, §§ 23a, 24, 25 paragraph 3 to 5 of the Residence Act.
Section 16 of the Residence Act is particularly important for students. Many students have a student visa and the Naturalization does not work with a student visa. In this case, you need to complete your studies, change Residence permit and then apply for Naturalization .
With all other residence titles that are not listed above, the Naturalization also works during your studies. The same rules apply as for any other applicant to Naturalization, with the exception of the livelihood forecast.
Duration of studies and prospects
The duration of your studies and your prospects are a very important criterion when it comes to the forecast for your livelihood. For example, if you as a student are several semesters over the normal planned duration of your studies, it will be more difficult for you to obtain Naturalization . The reason for this is that the naturalization authority is sceptical in this case as to whether you will complete your studies. If, on the other hand, you are fully on schedule, this will be taken into account as an additional positive feature.
The perspective of the degree course is crucial. If you are studying archaeology or philosophy, for example, it is much more difficult for you to get a Naturalization than if you are studying computer science. In this case, the reasons lie in the career prospects and opportunities after graduation.
The choice of degree program
The choice of course of study is very important for Naturalization . Not all professions are classified equally by the naturalization authorities and there is a certain rule according to which the importance of the course of study is assessed. If you have this rule in mind when choosing your course of study, then your chances are particularly good when the naturalization authorities assess your livelihood.
The importance of the degree programs
The more the degree course is needed as a profession in Germany, the higher the chance that you will find a job after completing your studies. This is seen by the authorities as a very important criterion when forecasting your livelihood. An important characteristic is therefore how much demand the profession you are studying is in on the German job market.
A list on the my Stipendium website provides a good overview of the respective career opportunities for degree courses. Here you can compare unemployment rates, employment and starting salaries and find a good choice for yourself.
Specialization | Unemployment rate | Adequate employment in % |
|---|---|---|
Educational sciences | 1,4 | >90 |
Civil engineering | 2,5 | >90 |
Computer science | 1,8 | >90 |
Medicine | 1,7 | >95 |
Engineering sciences | 2,5 | >95 |
Academic professions with a shortage of skilled workers
Computer Science is a good choice of degree course. Germany has a great need for computer scientists. The chance of getting a job after successfully completing your studies is very high. In the my Stipendium ranking, the chance of employment is 90 percent.
What else speaks for the profession of computer scientist? According to the ranking, the unemployment rate in 2002 was quite low at 1.8 percent and is one of the lowest among academic professions. It is also clear that the shortage of IT specialists in Germany is very high and computer scientists are essential for various economic and technological processes.
Another professional field that is in demand in Germany and that offers good opportunities for employment after graduation is engineering. This applies to engineering as well as civil engineering and architecture. The unemployment rate in both areas is relatively low at 2.5 percent.
Another professional field in Germany that has a shortage of staff and offers good opportunities after graduation is medicine. Good doctors are in demand in Germany and with a medical degree you have a good chance of finding long-term employment. At 1.7 percent, the unemployment rate is the second lowest of all academic professions.
You also have a very good chance of finding a permanent job in the field of educational science after graduating. Employees in the field of educational science are sought and needed. At 1.4 percent, the unemployment rate is the lowest of all academic professions.
Why Naturalization is worthwhile as a student
There are many different reasons why Naturalization is advantageous as a student. For students, German citizenship offers varying degrees of opportunities that do not apply without a German passport.
Political rights and civil liberties
The general advantages of German citizenship naturally also apply if you obtain Naturalization as a student. Political rights include the fact that you can participate and vote in all political elections in Germany with a German passport. This includes federal elections, state elections, district elections, mayoral elections and European elections.
Important civil liberties are the right to freedom of assembly (the right to demonstrate and assemble with others) under Article 8 of the Basic Law and freedom of association (the right to form a group or party) under Article 9 of the Basic Law. These rights cannot be accessed without Naturalization .
As a student and future employee, freedom of occupation under Article 12 of the Basic Law is particularly important. This right certifies the possibility of being able to decide for yourself where you work and for which employer you have to work. With a German passport, you are automatically an EU citizen and also have the freedom to settle anywhere in the EU or take a job in another EU country.
Easier job search after graduation
It may be easier to find a job after graduation with a German passport than without one. Although many companies consciously pay attention to migration backgrounds, there is still a greater interest in having people in the company who are clearly oriented towards Germany in the long term. With a Naturalization as a student, this intention to stay in Germany in the long term is very obvious and clear.
Support with education and scholarships
With German citizenship, it can sometimes be easier to obtain support for education and scholarships than without. Once again, the German authorities see that you are planning to make Germany the center of your life in the long term and that you want to settle in Germany. Such points make it easier for the authorities to support you with education and scholarships.
Difficulties and potential problems
As a student at Naturalization , you may also encounter difficulties and problems. These problems can be of a different nature and affect a person personally, but can also have to do with administrative matters.
Problems with the recognition of foreign qualifications
One problem when preparing the documents for Naturalization can be the recognition of foreign qualifications. Not every qualification is recognized equally. It is also sometimes the case that qualifications abroad have a different level of performance and different subjects than in Germany. It is therefore problematic and difficult to have these qualifications recognized as equivalent.
Pressure to fix
Being a student at Naturalization means that you have to plan your life in Germany for the long term. This can lead to additional pressure and can also be a burden. However, this fact is also clear to every student who wants to become a German citizen. The Naturalization is a clear decision for Germany and for the future in Germany.
Conclusion and summary
As you can see, Naturalization is possible as a student. It depends on various things and the forecast of the naturalization authority regarding your livelihood is particularly important.
The future of Naturalization as a student
The attractiveness of the German passport is still very high. Due to the opportunities you have as a student once you have been naturalized, Naturalization can be worthwhile as a student if you have the right Residence permit .
The federal government's planned new naturalization law could provide an additional incentive. It has been agreed that in future dual citizenship will be accepted at Naturalization and that § 10 para. 4 StAG, which stipulates that the citizenship of the country of origin must be surrendered, will no longer apply. This new law could be an additional reason for Naturalization as a student.
Summary
Naturalization as a student is a very complex topic. We have summarized the most important points for you here:
- The Naturalization with a student visa according to § 16 AufenthG is not possible
- Before planning Naturalization , you need to check carefully whether the application works with your own Residence permit
- The Naturalization with BAföG and low income is generally possible
- It is crucial to gather good arguments for the forecast for securing your livelihood
- Completing your studies without extending the duration increases your chances of naturalization
- Studying in a profession that has a shortage of skilled workers helps as an argument for naturalization
- Good grades in your studies help as an argument for a positive prognosis
- As in a job interview, the aim of the forecast is to present as many arguments as possible in your CV in order to score positive points
Are there any unanswered questions about Naturalization as a student?
FAQ - The most important questions and answers about Naturalization as a student
A Naturalization as a student is generally possible. The decisive factor is that you do not have a student visa in accordance with Section 16 AufenthG as Residence permit or any other Residence permit that does not entitle you to Naturalization . When applying for a German passport as a student, it is particularly important to obtain a positive prognosis for securing your livelihood.
German citizenship as a student is ultimately decided by Foreigners' office in the respective place of residence. If you want to be absolutely sure, ask the district authority in your place of residence again to make sure.
Yes, BAföG is not important when deciding whether you will be naturalized. What is important is the naturalization authority's positive prognosis regarding your livelihood.
The Naturalization after your studies is possible as follows. If you have successfully completed your studies and obtained a job, you can switch from your Residence permit to Residence permit 18b AufenthG. You can use this Residence permit to apply for the Naturalization . Another option is to first submit the application for Settlement permit and then the application for Naturalization.
Yes. Naturalization also works if you only have student financial aid or a low income. The decisive factor is that you receive a positive forecast from the naturalization authority regarding your future livelihood.
The forecast not only looks at your income, but also calculates whether you will be able to support yourself in the future. A positive factor here is if you are studying a course such as computer science or medicine, where there is a shortage of skilled workers in Germany. It is also positive if you can show good certificates and that you can prove that you are likely to complete your studies within the standard period.
