Points to note about Germany's new immigration law

With a strong economic development, a high-quality living environment and a social welfare system that is always at the top of the world, the Federal Republic of Germany has become an attractive destination for international citizens. In particular, from June 2024, the Federal President approved a new immigration law to facilitate foreigners come to work and live If you are planning to settle in this beautiful country, let's join SHD Academy learn about the regulations Germany's new immigration law in the following article!

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Latest regulations on German immigration law

Germany is lacking thousands of skilled workers every year, especially in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, construction, logistics, etc. In order to attract skilled foreign workers and promote integration, the German Government announced a draft reform of immigration policy in the summer of 2023. On June 27, 2024, Germany's new immigration law officially took effect and applied to subjects such as international students, legal residents in Germany, and highly skilled and specialized foreign workers.

If you are planning to study and work in Germany, you should note the important points in Germany's new immigration law. Specifically as follows:

Shorten the stay to 5 years

One of the most important changes in the new German immigration law is that the minimum stay for naturalization has been shortened to 5 years instead of 8 years as before. After 5 years of uninterrupted study and work and ensuring the necessary conditions, you can apply for German citizenship. In addition, during these 5 years, you need to comply with and abide by the legal policies of the Federal Republic of Germany.

>> Reference: Summary of the highest paying occupations in Germany in 2025

Opportunity to become naturalized after only 3 years

In special cases, the stay to obtain German citizenship can be shortened to just 3 years if you present a C1 German language certificate and prove that you can support yourself financially. In addition, you will need to demonstrate exceptional integration achievements, such as achieving excellent academic or professional results at work or actively participating in social activities. 

Retain original nationality

Previously, Federal law required international citizens who wanted to apply for German citizenship to renounce their original nationality. However, Germany's new immigration law allows those who wish to apply for German citizenship to have dual citizenship, which means you can retain your original nationality and enjoy the rights and obligations of both countries. 

Simplify naturalization for workers

The new immigration law not only simplifies the immigration process for foreign workers but also makes it easier for their family members to obtain German citizenship. This applies to those who came to the Federal Republic of Germany before 1975 under the guest worker program or to the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) before 1990 as contract workers.  

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Conditions for applying for German immigration

To be able to obtain German citizenship, you need to meet the following basic conditions:

• Legal residence in Germany for at least 5 years or 3 years in special cases
• Achieve a minimum German language level of B1.
• Complete a naturalization test on knowledge of German history, law, culture and society.
• Ensure financial capacity, not dependent on social subsidies of the German Government.
• Provide evidence of a signed declaration of allegiance and a signed information sheet confirming commitment to the liberal democratic basic order.
• No criminal record.

>> Reference: Is it easy to settle in Germany? Conditions and popular settlement areas

German immigration application 

The process of obtaining German citizenship requires you to complete the procedures and prepare documents according to the regulations of German immigration law. Below are the necessary documents for the German immigration application that you should know:

• Application for German citizenship filled out completely (according to form).
• Valid passport and birth certificate.
• Legal residence permit in Germany and certificate of registration renewal.
• German language certificate B1 or higher.
• Proof of income such as employment contract, pay slip, tax assessment.
• Passport photo.
• Lease agreement.
• Certificate or proof of integration achievement.

>> Reference: Instructions for self -preparation of German vocational studies 2025

Frequently asked questions about German immigration 

How long does it take to settle in Germany? 

According to the new German immigration law that comes into effect from June 27, 2024, the required residence period to apply for permanent residence in Germany has been reduced from 8 years to 5 years. For those who are assessed to have a particularly good level of integration, the required residence period will be shortened to only 3 years, making the process of acquiring German citizenship faster and more convenient.

Does acquiring German citizenship cause loss of Vietnamese citizenship?

Germany's new immigration law lifts ban on dual nationality for people coming from non-European Union (EU) countries. This has This means that people applying for German citizenship can retain their original nationality. Thus, Vietnamese people who acquire German citizenship will not be required to renounce their Vietnamese nationality. 

>> Reference:

• Instructions on how to fill out an online visa application form to Germany
• Instructions for the discount of German vocational training 2025

Understanding the regulations Germany's new settlement law will help you better prepare for living and working in this country. With positive changes, Germany has become an attractive destination for foreigners, especially international students participating in the German vocational study abroad program, which can help youcreate opportunities for self-development as well as access to the best social welfare policies in Germany. If you want to know more about settlement policies in Germany or the conditions for participating in the German vocational study abroad program, please visit the section News belong to SHD Academy to update the latest information!