Refusing to pay fines and rejection of residence or citizenship applications due to “Fehlende Rechtsordnungstreue” in Germany

In Germany, compliance with the law and respect for the legal and constitutional order (Rechtsordnungstreue) are core requirements for granting a residence permit or citizenship. Refusing to pay fines or penalties can be interpreted as a lack of respect for the legal system and is a common reason for rejecting applications.

What does “Fehlende Rechtsordnungstreue” mean?
It means a lack of commitment or loyalty to the legal and constitutional order in Germany.
Refusing to pay fines is regarded as evidence of ignoring the law and violating the legal order.

How does refusing to pay fines affect residence or citizenship applications?

Rejection of the application
Such behaviour is considered proof of non-compliance with the law and can lead to the refusal of residence or citizenship.

Delays in processing
The authorities may postpone their decision on the application until all fines and outstanding financial obligations have been settled.

Negative impact on the record of good conduct
Unpaid fines are recorded in official registers and are used as a criterion when assessing lawful and law-abiding behaviour.

Additional legal measures
You may face enforcement measures, such as seizure of assets or bank accounts, or refusal to extend an existing residence permit.

Tips to avoid rejection due to unpaid fines

• Pay all outstanding fines before submitting your residence or citizenship application.

• If you are unable to pay, contact the competent authority to request an instalment plan or deferral of payment.

• Keep all documents proving the payment of fines or any agreements made with the authorities.

• Consult an immigration lawyer to obtain appropriate legal support if necessary.

Conclusion

Refusing to pay fines reflects a lack of respect for the German legal order and often leads to the rejection of residence or citizenship applications on the grounds of “Fehlende Rechtsordnungstreue”. Fulfilling payment obligations and dealing with fines through lawful channels are essential to ensure that applications are processed and accepted without unnecessary obstacles.

The editorial and writing team of the website strives to provide accurate information by conducting thorough research and consulting multiple sources when preparing articles. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some information may not be fully verified. Therefore, the information contained in the articles should be regarded as a preliminary reference only; you should always refer to the competent authorities to obtain confirmed and authoritative information.