Language exam in Passau: Attempted fraud using a false identity
A suspected case of fraud has been detected during a language test in Passau (Bavaria). According to the Passau border police, a 27-year-old German citizen allegedly pretended to be a 38-year-old Afghan citizen during a language test.
The aim was allegedly to take the required language test for the Afghan in order Residence permit obtain the necessary proof for a Residence permit . To this end, the German is said to have taken the test with a forged passport.
Police officers who were present during the exam checked the documents and found discrepancies. The passportpresented was recognized as a forgery. The attempted fraud was stopped before the end of the exam.
According to current police findings, the suspect is believed to have taken language tests several times across Germany using a false identity. Investigators therefore do not believe this to be an isolated case.
Fake certificates sold via social media
The case in Passau is not the first of its kind. Back in September 2025, several media outlets reported on the sale of fake language certificates and integration certificates ("Living in Germany" test) via social networks.
Research by RTL and Stern revealed that providers on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram were posing as language schools and offering fake certificates for levels A1 to C2, as well as proof of passing the integration test. The prices ranged from several hundred euros to, in some cases, as much as 1,500 euros.
Well-known certificates were particularly frequently forged, such as those from telc, adult education centers, or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Individual cases have already been prosecuted. For example, a court in Bonn convicted several people who had sold large numbers of forged language certificates.
New law: Naturalization barred for ten years Naturalization fraud
In response to this development, the Bundestag passed a new law at the beginning of December. It regulates more strictly how fraud, forged documents, and false information are to be dealt with.
In future, a person may be Naturalization from Naturalization for ten years if they commit fraud or deliberately provide false or incomplete information during the naturalization process.
Such a ban may apply in particular if
- Naturalization that has already taken place is revoked Naturalization false information or deception,
- the authority determines during the ongoing proceedings that fraudulent misrepresentation, threats, or bribery have been used,
- false or incomplete information was provided regarding essential naturalization requirements.
Important: The new law does not only apply to forged documents. False or incomplete information regarding identity, residence status, criminal record, income, or language skills can also have serious consequences.
Under current law, Naturalization can already beNaturalization if it was obtained through deception. Section 35 of the Nationality Act (StAG) allows revocation up to ten years after Naturalization.
The new law now makes it clear that such a withdrawal may in future be linked to a long waiting period before a new application for naturalization can be submitted.
Possible consequences for Residence permit
Fraud, deception, or falsified documents can Naturalization consequences not only for Naturalization Residence permit also Residence permit . Anyone who submits Settlement permit documents or provides false information when applying for a residence permit or Settlement permit must expect their application to be rejected. In such cases, the authorities assume that the legal requirements have not been met.
Residence permits that have already been issued Residence permit are not protected if it later transpires that they are based on deception or forged documents. In such cases, the Residence permit may Residence permit be revoked retrospectively.
Important: Using forged documents is a criminal offense in Germany. If criminal proceedings are initiated, the authorities often suspend decisions on residence rights until the proceedings have been concluded.
If a conviction is handed down, this can significantly increase the likelihood of deportation. The more serious the offense, the greater the likelihood that the interest in deportation will outweigh the interest in remaining in the country. In the worst case, therefore, not only is the loss of the residence permit at stake, but also deportation.
Conclusion: Important information for those affected
Current cases clearly show that language and integration certificates should only be obtained through legal means. Offers on social media that promise quick or easy certificates without testing carry significant legal risks. Fraud in the naturalization process or in applications for Residence permit have serious consequences under immigration law.
To avoid legal problems, those affected should note the following:
- Only use official language tests
Language certificates should only be obtained from recognized providers such as telc, the Goethe-Institut, adult education centers, or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. - Integration test only through official channels
The "Living in Germany" test is offered by the BAMF. Only these certificates are valid. - Refrain from using social media services
Providers on TikTok, Instagram, or WhatsApp who sell certificates "without verification" are illegal. Purchasing such documents can result in criminal consequences—including deportation. - Have documents checked
If in doubt, certificates should be checked for authenticity before submission. Official providers or the Foreigners' office provide information. However, if you use official providers (telc, Goethe-Institut, BAMF, etc.) from the outset, you do not need to worry about forgeries. - Seek support in good time
If you are having difficulties with language courses or exams, advice centers, integration course providers, or migrant organizations can help you to legally fulfill the exam requirements.
Exams and certificates often have to be submitted within a certain period of time. Planning ahead prevents unnecessary pressure and bad decisions.
