Interim Regulations for Children
As of January 1, 2000, children up to ten years of age have a special entitlement to naturalization in keeping with the requirements of the new right to citizenship through place of birth.
– An application for naturalization must be filed by December 31, 2000.
– The child cannot have reached his or her tenth birthday by January 1, 2000.
– The child must have been born in Germany.
– At the time of birth, one parent must have been legally residing in Germany for at least eight years and must have had an entitlement to residence or an unlimited residence permit for at least three years.
– The parents must be able to show legal and permanent residence status in Germany not only at the time of birth but also at the time of the child’s naturalization.
The option model also applies to these children when they reach the age of majority.
German by Naturalization
The road to German citizenship for foreigners residing permanently in Germany is naturalization. Unlike citizenship through place of birth, naturalization does not happen automatically; it must be applied for.
The legal provisions on discretionary naturalization [Ermessenseinbürgerung] remain essentially unchanged. Entitlement to naturalization [Anspruchseinbürgerung] according to the Aliens Act has been improved.
Entitlement to Naturalization according to the Aliens Act:
As of January 1, 2000, a person is entitled to naturalization if the following basic requirements are met:
– Eight years of legal residence in Germany
– Possession of a residence permit [Aufenthaltserlaubnis] or an entitlement to residence [Aufenthaltsberechtigung]
– Express commitment to the Basic Law
– No involvement in activities hostile to the constitution
– General ability to support oneself and one’s dependents without welfare or unemployment benefits
– No criminal record, excluding minor offenses
– Adequate command of the German language
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