Significance and history of Naturalization Ukrainian citizens
In order to understand the importance of Naturalization for Ukrainian citizens, it is important to know the history of the integration of Ukrainian citizens in Germany. This will also help you to understand the significance of German citizenship and the integration of Ukrainian citizens.
History of the integration of Ukrainian citizens
The first people from Ukraine moved to Germany at the end of the 19th century due to social and economic circumstances. During the world wars in the last century, there was another wave of Ukrainians who settled in Germany.
The largest influx of Ukrainians to Germany has occurred since the end of the Soviet Union. According to statistics from the American Wilson Center, the steady decline in the population has fallen from 52 million (1991) to 32 million (2023). One reason is demographic problems and another is the emigration of people from Ukraine.
Importance of Naturalization for Ukrainian citizens
Data from the Federal Institute for Population Research from July 12, 2023 shows the importance of integration in Germany and also the potential Naturalization of Ukrainian nationals. Almost half of all the more than one million Ukrainians who came to Germany in 2022 as a result of the war (44 percent) want to stay in Germany for longer or stay in Germany completely.
An example of the integration of Ukrainians is the fact that, according to the same study, 75 percent attend or have completed an integration test. The integration test is an important prerequisite for Naturalization. Another identification factor is the integration of children. 58 percent of Ukrainian children aged 3-6 who came through the war have a place in a daycare center.
Studies show that people who come to Germany are highly likely to stay in the country in the long term if their integration works well. According to the study, this appears to be the case for refugees from Ukraine.
Naturalization Ukrainian citizen?
Conditions of Naturalization Ukrainian citizens
There are certain conditions that must be met for the Naturalization citizens. These requirements for Naturalization are laid down in Section 10 of the StAG.
Proof of residence and means of subsistence
A prerequisite for Ukrainian citizens at Naturalization is to have proof of residence and means of subsistence. The rental agreement for the apartment is sufficient proof of residence. It is also important to have a registration certificate confirming that you are a citizen of the place of residence where you are applying for Naturalization .
It is also important that you can show the last three payslips / proof of income from your employer. It is also helpful if you can also show proof of savings. As a general rule: the more proof, the better!
There is no set amount. This varies depending on where you live. The decisive factor is, for example, how high the rents are in your place of residence and how high the cost of living is.
In the end, the naturalization authority must make a prognosis as to whether you can support yourself and your family independently. It does not matter whether you have a temporary or permanent job. The naturalization authority's prognosis must always be decisive!
Legal duration of residence and right of residence
Another very important aspect when applying for Naturalization that you have been legally resident for the required period of time. Currently, the legal period of residence is 5 years.
If you have been married to a German citizen for two years, you can become a naturalized citizen after three years.
Some residence rights do not permit Naturalization. This includes, for example, the student visa in accordance with Section 16b AufenthG. A Tolerance permit does not entitle you to Naturalization and is also not a legal Residence permit. The periods from a Tolerance permit can therefore not be included in the calculation of the period of residence.
Language certificate at B1 level and naturalization test
A language certificate at B1 level is important for Ukrainian nationals applying for Naturalization . The only exceptions to this are applicants who have completed a school-leaving certificate, university or university of applied sciences degree or training qualification in Germany and can therefore prove their B1 level.
The B1 certificate is a crucial way of demonstrating your willingness to integrate in Germany and is therefore a prerequisite for Naturalization . You are expected to be able to communicate in German and thus master everyday life in Germany linguistically.
In addition, a successful naturalization test is crucial for the Naturalization. The test has 33 questions and at least 17 must be answered correctly. You can practice the test at Migrando and you can also find all the test centers you need to contact here.
Clarification of identity and other conditions
Another important part of the requirement for Naturalization for Ukrainian citizens is Clarification of identity. For Clarification of identity it is sufficient if you can prove that you have a valid Ukrainian national passport or identity card.
An additional condition is the signed declaration of loyalty. With this declaration, you declare your commitment to the fundamental values of Germany and the German constitution. You can obtain the declaration of loyalty form from the naturalization office in your place of residence. You can print it out as a PDF and then fill it in.
Application for the Naturalization of Ukrainian nationals
The application for Naturalization for Ukrainian citizens has a specific procedure. It is helpful to have these steps for Naturalization in mind as a guide. The ultimate goal is always to receive the naturalization certificate and the certainty of being in possession of a German passport.
Organizing and sorting the required naturalization documents
The very first step in applying for Naturalization for Ukrainian citizens is organizing and sorting the necessary documents.
Once you have organized and filled out all the documents, it is very important to check that they are correct. Are all the documents really included? Has every form been completed in full? Now fill out the application form completely and sort the documents point by point.
Submission of the naturalization application
Now it's time for the next step. You go to the appointment at the naturalization office that has already been arranged in advance before organizing and sorting and hand in the complete application to Naturalization . Beforehand, it is a good idea to go over the documents again with a lawyer who specializes in Immigration law .
Processing time and costs of the application
Once the application has been received, the naturalization authority has 12 weeks to review and respond to your application. Recently, the duration of naturalization applications has become longer and longer.
When the planned new naturalization law comes into force, it is likely to take even longer to process applications. The reason for this is that the authorities are overwhelmed by the high number of applications that need to be processed.
If the naturalization authorities do not respond after 12 weeks, you as the applicant have the right to file a Lawsuit for failure of act to speed up the procedure. The administrative court will then set the authorities a further deadline and your application must be processed within this period. You will then receive a decision on your application.
The cost of Naturalization is 255 euros for each adult and 51 euros for underage children.
Allocation of the Naturalization of Ukrainian nationals
The final step for Ukrainian citizens at Naturalization is to apply for Naturalization. To do this, you will be contacted by the naturalization authority, which will arrange an appointment with you for the granting of your citizenship. At the appointment, you will then receive a certificate of your Naturalization and are officially a German citizen upon receipt of the certificate.
Dual citizenship for Ukrainian citizens
Dual citizenship at Naturalization for Ukrainian nationals is a very crucial point for many Ukrainians when deciding whether to apply for German citizenship. In the last year and a half, the situation regarding dual citizenship for Ukrainians has changed.
The German government's Naturalization Act of 2024 makes dual citizenship possible for Ukrainians, completely independently of Ukrainian legislation.
The possibilities of Ukrainians with the Naturalization
Naturalization in Germany offers Ukrainian citizens many advantages and opportunities. These advantages vary and mainly concern various rights of freedom to which German citizens are entitled.
Rights and obligations due to the new situation
With Naturalization and German citizenship, Ukrainians are free to choose their profession. As a Ukrainian, you can therefore decide who you work for and where you work. You can also vote in all elections in Germany (European elections, federal elections, state elections, local elections).
Other important civil liberties are the right of assembly and the right of association. The right of association allows you, for example, to form organizations or parties and to unite and join forces with other people in organizations and parties.
German citizenship also means having duties. This includes working for the German state. As a German citizen, you have civic duties. Some of these civic duties have been suspended, as is the case with the border guard duty.
Further integration step for Ukrainians in Germany
With German citizenship, Ukrainian citizens take a further step towards integration in Germany. The Naturalization Ukrainian citizenship is a final step for Ukrainians, which they work towards just like many other foreigners when they come to Germany. It is also a decisive testimony of belonging to Germany
Planning security through the Naturalization
For you as a Ukrainian citizen, the Naturalization of Ukrainian citizens primarily provides planning security. You can better plan and organize the lives of yourself and your family members. You also have the opportunity to travel to over 190 countries without a visa, which is a great advantage.
Do you still have questions about Naturalization Ukrainian nationals?
FAQ - The most important questions and answers about Naturalization Ukrainian citizens
Yes. As a Ukrainian citizen, you can be naturalized in accordance with the requirements of Section 10 of the StAG.
A Naturalization for Ukrainians costs 255 euros per adult and 51 euros for a minor child, just as it does for every applicant to Naturalization .
Ukrainians, like all foreigners, are subject to the requirements of Section 10 of the German Nationality Act (StAG). These include Clarification of identity, successful completion of a naturalization test, proof of sufficient means of support, five years of legal residence in Germany, the B1 certificate, and a signed declaration of loyalty.
