The business with false documents
Research by RTL and Stern shows that providers on social media such as TikTok or Instagram are posing as language schools. They advertise fake certificates in short videos. According to the report, language certificates from levels A1 to C2 and certificates for the "Living in Germany" test are offered.
The certificates of the provider telc are particularly frequently imitated, but also documents from adult education centers or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
So far, only individual cases have been brought to court: According to WDR, three men in Bonn were sentenced to prison in early 2025 for selling over 1,500 fake language certificates. The SHZ also reported on a woman from Armenia who was fined for submitting a fake language certificate.
Legal consequences of forged documents
The use of falsified language or integration tests can have serious consequences in Germany. These include:
Rejection of the application
Anyone who submits a forged certificate risks immediate rejection of their application for Naturalization, Settlement permit or a temporary Residence permit. The authorities do not recognize such applications because the necessary requirements are not met.
Withdrawal or revocation of titles already issued
If a Residence permit that has already been issued is based on false information or documents, it can be withdrawn or revoked in accordance with Section 51 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or Section 48 of the Administrative Procedure Act (VwVfG). This also applies to Settlement permit and Naturalization.
Important: Naturalization can be revoked up to ten years after it has been granted if it turns out to be based on forged documents.
Interest in expulsion and deportation
The presentation of forged documents can give rise to an interest in deportation under Section 54 of the Residence Act (AufenthG). In particularly serious cases, this can lead to a Residence permit being refused, revoked or even deportation being ordered.
This is because the use of forged certificates is a criminal offense in Germany. As soon as a person is under investigation, decisions on Naturalization, Settlement permit or other Residence permit are fundamentally suspended.
If a conviction is handed down, this has aconsiderable impact on the interest in deportation. The more serious the court classifies the offense, the greater the probability that an interest in deportation exists and outweighs the interest in remaining. In the worst case, deportation may be imminent.
Long-term effects
Those who use forged documents risk permanent bans on future applications for Residence permit or Naturalization, negative assessments by the authoritiesand difficulties with social integration in Germany.
Tips for migrants: Legal for language and integration tests
To avoid legal problems, migrants should always use official examination channels:
- Attend official language courses and examinations: Certificates should only be obtained from recognized providers such as telc, Goethe-Institut, adult education centers or IHK. These examinations are recognized nationwide.
- Integration test "Living in Germany" via official bodies: The test is offered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Only officially issued certificates are valid.
- Do not use social media services: Providers on TikTok, Instagram or WhatsApp that sell certificates "without verification" are illegal. The purchase of such documents can result in criminal prosecution - up to and including deportation.
- Have documents checked: If in doubt, certificates should be checked for authenticity before submission. Official providers or the Foreigners' office can provide information. But: If you use official providers from the outset (telc, Goethe-Institut, BAMF), you do not need to worry about forgeries.
- Seek support in good time: If you have difficulties with language courses or examinations, advice centres, integration course providers or migrant organizations can help you to meet the examination requirements legally.
- Observe deadlines: Tests and certificates often have to be submitted within a certain period of time. Timely planning prevents unnecessary pressure and wrong decisions.
