German Passport: The Country with the Most Powerful Passport in the World

German passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world, allowing German citizens to travel freely to 189 countries and territories around the world without a visa. So how can international students have the opportunity to become German citizens and own this powerful passport? Let's join SHD Academy Find out more about the conditions and necessary documents to apply for a German passport in the article below! 

>> Reference:

• Study and work in Germany: Summary of detailed information
• Instructions for preparing your own application for a German vocational study visa

How powerful is a German passport? 

The German passport is one of the most valuable and powerful passports in the world, allowing German citizens to enter many countries without a visa. According to the Henley Passport Index ranking, which is based on data from the International Air Transport Association - the organization with the largest and most complete travel information database in the world. German passport is in 3rd place just behind Singapore (first place) and Japan (second place). Accordingly, German citizens can travel freely to 189 countries and territories around the world without a visa.

Most of the developed countries in the world are in the top 5 of this ranking, including the UK, South Korea, Spain, Finland, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, etc. In which, the Vietnamese passport ranks 83rd in this ranking, allowing Vietnamese citizens to enter 51 destinations without a visa.

>> Reference: 

• What are the conditions for vocational study in Germany?
• Should I study vocational training in Germany? The truth about vocational training in Germany

Benefits of owning a German passport 

If you possess a German passport, international students will enjoy all the rights of a German citizen, including the right to vote in local and national elections, and the right to live, study and work in any country in the European Union (EU). 

So specifically which countries does a German passport allow its citizens to travel to? One of the most important advantages of owning a German passport is the freedom of movement. in 29 Schengen countries without needing an additional Visa. The list of 29 countries includes: Austria, Poland, Belgium, France, Portugal, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Netherlands, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Finland, Norway, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Italy and Switzerland. This helps German citizensEasy access to high-quality labor markets in Germany and Europe.

In addition, the German passport also give you the opportunity to travel visa-free or easy visa application to many countries in the world. Specifically as follows:

• Visa-free countries: Most countries in the world exempt visas for German citizens, except for a few Asian and African countries such as North Korea, Myanmar, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Yemen, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Libya, Liberia, Mali, Niger. 
• Some countries only require an Evisa or Visa on Arrival: Include Russia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Cuba…
• Countries that only require an eTA: Include USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Kenya, Ivory Coast,…

Furthermore, a German passport offers social stability and security. As a German citizen, you will enjoy welfare benefits, public services, health insurance and top quality education from the German Government.

>> Reference: 

• Things to know about blocked accounts for vocational study in Germany
• 20 Beautiful Sceneries in Germany That You Should Not Miss

Conditions for applying for a German passport

The requirements for applying for a German passport have changed significantly in 2024. In principle, naturalization can be done after 5 years of residence in Germany, provided the following conditions are met:

• Legal residence permit in Germany for a minimum of 5 years. In addition, the German government allows shortening the residence period to 3 years in case of special contribution to the integration process, including: high achievements in studies, career, active participation in community activities or achieving German language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Identity clarification (passport/passport replacement/replacement document). 
• Signed a declaration of allegiance and commitment to the liberal democratic fundamental law of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• German language proficiency level B1 or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Successfully complete the naturalization test, which covers knowledge of the German legal system, history and culture.
• Proof of financial resources to ensure a living for yourself and your family.
• Ensuring integration into the German living environment.
• Law-abiding, no criminal record.

Due to the shortage of highly skilled labor, the German Government has applied many policies and good incentives to encourage highly qualified foreign workers to settle permanently in this country. After completing vocational study abroad program in Germany After 3 years and working for 2 consecutive years, paying all taxes under the German social security system, international students can apply for a residence permit. settle in Germany and naturalize, while still being allowed to retain their original nationality.

>> Reference: 6 Disadvantages of Vocational Study in Germany That You Need to Know

Documents required to apply for a German passport

The process of applying for a German passport not only requires you to meet the above conditions but also to prepare all the necessary documents and submit the application on time. Here are the necessary documents to apply for a German passport:

• Passport, birth certificate,…
• Legal residence permit in Germany and certificate of registration for extension
• German language certificate B1 or higher
• Proof of livelihood, including employment contracts, payslips, tax assessments, etc.
• Passport photo
• Lease agreement
• Naturalization test certificate or proof of integration achievement
• Application for naturalization filled out completely and accurately.

>> Reference: Instructions for preparing your own application for studying nursing in Germany

How long does it take to get a German passport? 

The process of applying for a German passport usually takes about 7-8 weeks If you are applying for a passport for the first time after naturalization or if you already have a German passport that is about to expire. The time required to apply for a German passport for naturalization will vary depending on the location, for example, in Cottbus and Essen the naturalization process takes 6 – 15 months, but there are also places that take longer, such as Frankfurt where it takes 32 months or Leipzig where it will take more than 50 months.

>> Reference: Latest information on German vocational training contracts from AZ

Ownership German passport will bring you many great benefits, not only helping you travel around the world easily but also opening up many opportunities in life in Germany. If you still have questions about applying for a passport as well as information about German vocational study itinerary Please contact us immediately. SHD Academy via hotline 0336 760 276 for our staff to support you quickly and in detail!