Germany: Information on the status of a Serbian man who marries a woman who is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | DEU19573.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Germany: Information on the status of a Serbian man who marries a woman who is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany, 1 January 1995, DEU19573.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab2590.html [accessed 10 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
An official at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ottawa informed the DIRB in a telephone interview that a Serbian man who marries a woman who is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany, either in Germany or abroad, will automatically receive permanent resident status in Germany (24 Jan. 1995). A permanent resident has the right to work in Germany (ibid.). However, as to work permits, some restrictions may apply depending on the profession he will be pursuing (ibid.). The permanent resident has basically unlimited access to education and social security, and is entitled to the full protection of the judicial system, including protection against deportation (ibid.). However, a permanent resident does not have the right to vote or to run for public office (ibid.)
In order to be naturalized as a German citizen, the individual must apply for citizenship just as any foreigner would (ibid.). Germany does not recognize dual citizenship, and foreigners must renounce their present citizenship before being naturalized as German citizens. On the average, German citizenship can be obtained after eight to ten years of permanent residence in Germany. However, in some circumstances, the German authorities have may grant citizenship after five or six years or less of permanent residence in Germany (ibid.). Marriage to a German citizen may be a factor which could convince German authorities to speed up the process of granting German citizenship (ibid.). For further information on German naturalization, please consult the attached document.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Ottawa. 24 January 1995. Telephone Interview with a representative.
Attachment
Federal Republic of Germany. Facsimile of a document entitled Naturalization Policy in the Federal Republic of Germany sent to the DIRB on 10 May 1993 by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
