News The new German citizenship law is about to be implemented! VS EU Permanent Residency, German Permane

The new immigrant regulations for Germany, including the Blue Card, will take effect in November! Not only the Blue Card, but also the new regulations related to citizenship will be implemented early next year! Currently, there are three ways to live in Germany. Two of them are German Permanent Residency and EU Permanent Residency. Today, we will compare and analyze them along with German citizenship, so you can determine which one suits you best.

*German Permanent Residency*:

1. Reside in Germany for a minimum of 4 years.

2. Stable income to support yourself without relying on social welfare.

3. Contribute to at least 48 months of statutory pension insurance.

4. Have a job that matches your qualifications.

5. Have a German language proficiency of at least B1 and pass the integration course test.

6. Sufficient living space. 

These are the basic requirements. However, if you obtain permanent residency through a German Blue Card application, you can apply for permanent residency after 33 months with an A1 language level (22 months with B1). There are also special cases for students, marriage, and more.

*EU Permanent Residency Issued by Germany*:

1. Legally reside in Germany continuously for 5 years.

2. Ensure the livelihood of family members.

3. Contribute to at least 60 months of statutory pension insurance.

4. Proficiency in the German language and basic knowledge of German laws, social order, and living conditions.

5. Sufficient living space.

If you hold EU Permanent Residency issued by Germany and wish to work in other EU countries, you generally need additional work permits (subject to the regulations of each EU country). However, with German Permanent Residency, you should not stay outside of Germany for more than 6 months at a time, and your primary residence should ideally be in Germany. For EU Permanent Residency, you must not leave the EU for more than 12 months in one go.

Regarding citizenship, a new law to lower the threshold for obtaining German citizenship has been approved by the cabinet and is expected to take effect early next year. What changes does the new law make to the citizenship requirements?

1. It allows for multiple citizenships but under certain conditions, including successful integration and a satisfactory level of German language proficiency.

2. Generally, immigrants can apply for citizenship after residing in Germany for 5 years (currently, the requirement is 8 years). Exceptional immigrants who have integrated exceptionally well, have a C1 level of German language proficiency, and can independently support themselves and their families can apply after 3 years.

3. Children born in Germany to foreign parents can obtain German citizenship if one parent has legally resided in Germany for more than 5 years (currently 8 years) and holds permanent residency. They can also retain their parents' citizenship.

4. Anyone seeking German citizenship must adhere to the core values of a free society, including respect for human rights, equality, and democracy. Citizenship applicants who engage in anti-Semitic, racist, or other inhumane behavior will be disqualified.

*Please note that, due to our country's policy, dual citizenship does not apply to us.