Do you have to return to Syria? Here’s how to protect your right to stay and avoid deportation.
Should you return to Syria? Here’s how to protect your right to stay and avoid deportation.
Many Syrians are afraid. The news often reports on the deportation of Syrians. But: There are three ways you can stay in Germany. We’ll show you what they are—and which one is right for you.
Syrian Deportation: Why Their Protected Status Does Not Provide Permanent Protection
Protection status = no permanent protection against deportation
If the political situation changes —and that is exactly what is currently being discussed— the authorities may revoke your protection status. It does not matter whether you have refugee status (Section 25(2), sentence 1 of the Residence Act) or subsidiary protection (Section 25(2), sentence 2 of the Residence Act) . The BAMF has been reviewing revocation of protection status for Syrians since 2024.
A permanent right of residence may be revoked
The Settlement permit issued based on your protection status. If the protection status is revoked, its basis is also revoked—with two consequences for the deportation of Syrians:
- Application still pending: If your protected status is revoked, your application will be suspended— Residence permit on your Residence permit will be Residence permit first.
- Already issued: Even a Settlement permit that has already been issued Settlement permit be revoked, if the protected status is subsequently revoked.
Naturalization also be suspended
If your protected status is revoked, while your naturalization process is ongoing, your Naturalization will also be Naturalization —because Residence permit on your Residence permit must Residence permit first. Naturalization detailed background information on this, see the Blog Naturalization Syrians.
Deportation to Syria in 2026: Who It Affects
BAMF is reviewing the revocation of thousands of protection statuses
Since the fall of the Assad regime, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has been continuously reviewing whether the protection status of Syrians is still justified. Anyone who holds a residence permit under Section 25(2) of the Residence Act —that is, as a refugee or with subsidiary protection—must expect to face a revocation proceeding.
From criminals to 800,000 Syrians — the broadening of the debate
The German government is already deporting criminals and individuals posing a threat to Syria— that is the legally established status quo. However, politicians from the CDU/CSU and SPD are calling for an expansion of this policy: The approximately 800,000 Syrians in Germany are to be encouraged to return to Syria within the next three years, to help rebuild their homeland. For many of those affected, this means, in concrete terms, increasing pressure to face deportation or assisted repatriation—even without having committed a crime.
Voluntary departure: Pressure through incentives
In parallel with the debate on deportation, the federal government is expanding repatriation programs. Syrians are to be encouraged to leave voluntarily and return to Syria through financial start-up assistance (e.g., via REAG/GARP). Those who do not accept the offer will, in the long term, face pressure to be deported—unless their Residence permit on a new foundation that is independent of their protection status.
In short: When it comes to the issue of deporting Syrians in 2026, the full risk falls on those who rely solely on their protected status. Anyone who does not wish to return to Syria voluntarily should take action now and secure their Residence permit a basis that cannot be politically undermined.
Three ways to protect against deportation
Naturalization
You will become a German citizen. No one can deport you anymore — for the rest of your life. Read more about this in Blog Naturalization Syrians.
NaturalizationChange of purpose
You are exchanging your protection status for your own Residence permit for: work, training, or study. The new permit cannot be revoked.
Explore the possibilitySettlement permit
You will remain in Germany indefinitely. However, your protected status remains—and may be revoked if the situation changes.
Settlement permit CheckWhat really protects against deportation to Syria?
| What is important? | Naturalization | Change of purpose | Settlement permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection from deportation to Syria | ✓ Complete | ✓ None Protected title, cannot be revoked | ~ Remains, but can be withdrawn |
| Travel to Syria is possible | ✓ With a German passport | ✓ Yes, You will not lose your residency | ✗ You may lose your protection status |
| Bringing family to Germany | ✓ Easier with a German passport | ✓ The family comes along | ~ Possible, but more difficult |
| What do you need? | 5 years of residence,
B1 German language proficiency,
own income Do I meet these requirements? |
Job,
Vocational training or college Do I meet the requirements? |
5 years of residence + personal income Do I meet these requirements? |
The Benefits in Detail
Complete protection — for a lifetime
As a German citizen, no one can take away your right to reside here. No government agency, no change in the law, no political debate about the deportation of Syrians.
Traveling to Syria with a German passport
Visit family, stay connected to your roots— without worrying about your visa status. You are traveling as a German citizen.
Making it easier for families to move to Germany
Family reunification is becoming easier and faster. Children, Naturalization after Naturalization , are automatically German citizens.
Voting rights & political voice
You have a say in who governs Germany. Your vote counts —in every federal, state, and local election.
Living & working across the EU
With a German passport, you can live, work, and study in all 27 EU countries, without a visa, and without any obstacles.
Dual citizenship
You remain a Syrian citizen and become a German citizen. You do not have to give up your Syrian passport.
Will Syrians be deported starting in 2027? A lawyer explains the legal situation
What our lawyer specifically addresses in the video:
- ✓What specific risks your current Residence permit Section 25 of the Residence Act, subsidiary protection, refugee status, or Tolerance permit —poses in the event of a possible deportation of Syrians.
- ✓Why the discussion about deporting Syrians starting in 2027 is not just an empty rumor — and which groups would be affected first.
- ✓Your three options in detail: Naturalization (German passport), change of residence permit (change of purpose to work, training, or study), and Settlement permit — including an assessment of which option is best suited to your specific situation.
- ✓Why well-integrated Syrians with jobs, education, or families can often already build a secure future in Germany today— regardless of how the political debate turns out.
Note: This video provides an initial overview. For a legal assessment of your specific situation, please take the free assessment.
Dual citizenship for Syrians — will it be abolished?
What is being discussed?
CSU politician Stephan Mayer wants Syrians to no longer be granted dual citizenship. He says: “If we’re talking about deporting Syrians, then they don’t need two passports.”
What applies NOW?
There is no bill. Dual citizenship has been enshrined in law since June 2024. That still applies. A rule applying only to Syrians would likely not be permitted—because the law states that all people must be treated equally.
What many people don't know
Even before 2024, Syrians could already hold two passports. The law stated: If it is too difficult to surrender the old passport, then one may keep both. Syria is in the midst of a civil war—which is why it was too difficult for Syrians. Furthermore, recognized refugees were not required to surrender their old passports in the first place.
Our recommendation
Don't wait. If you apply now, you'll be in a better position, no matter what the politicians decide.
These are the questions Syrian clients ask us most often
Are Syrians being deported from Germany?
As a Syrian, can I be deported, if I have refugee status?
Can I travel to Syria if I have refugee status?
What is a change of purpose, and when is it appropriate?
Can my family come to Germany?
Will dual citizenship be abolished for Syrians?
What exactly should I do now to prevent deportation?
Your Free test
The political situation can change at any time. Those who act now, are in a better position. Find out in 2 minutes what options are available to you to prevent deportation to Syria.
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