Right of abode
The Federal government has resolved that in future well-integrated foreigners be granted right of abode more quickly.
The Federal government has reformed the right of abode. Well-integrated foreigners who have been living in Germany for eight years can henceforth receive the right of abode; families with children who are minors need to have lived here for six years. However, during that period they must not have committed any criminal acts, must primarily have earned their own living, and be able to prove they possess a knowledge of spoken German. The right of abode has also been eased for young people: In future, they will have good prospects of being given the right of abode after four years if they have successfully attended school. Federal Minister Thomas de Maizière described the bill as a “message” that says: “You belong here!”
