How Does a Previous “Duldung” Affect the Calculation of Years for Naturalization in Germany?
“Duldung” is a temporary suspension of deportation granted to people who cannot be removed from Germany for humanitarian or legal reasons. It does not constitute a regular residence permit and does not grant a permanent right of residence. This legal status has a direct impact on how the residence period required for naturalization is calculated.
Effect of “Duldung” on the calculation of naturalization years
Time spent under “Duldung” is generally not counted as full lawful residence
German nationality law usually requires a lawful, secure, and stable residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for a certain period (for example, 8 years) to qualify for naturalization.
The period during which a person holds a “Duldung” is considered temporary and not a fully lawful residence, and therefore it is generally not counted towards the required years of residence for naturalization.
Special exceptions
In exceptional cases, if a person has been under “Duldung” for a long time and can demonstrate a high level of integration (for example, good German language skills, stable work, social engagement), the authorities may assess the overall situation more favorably.
However, this remains entirely at the discretion of the authorities and is not a guaranteed legal right.
Lawful residence before and after “Duldung”
If you had periods of lawful residence before or after your time under “Duldung”, usually only those lawful periods are counted towards the required residence years for naturalization.
The time under “Duldung” itself is normally excluded from the calculation.
Impact on early naturalization applications
A phase with “Duldung” makes applying for early naturalization more difficult, because it does not provide a stable legal basis for a naturalization claim.
Tips for people with a (former) “Duldung” status
Try to convert your status into a regular, lawful residence permit (for example, for humanitarian reasons or for employment) as early as possible.
Invest in language learning and social integration (German courses, work, vocational training, volunteering) to improve your chances in a future naturalization procedure.
Consult a specialized immigration lawyer to help you improve your legal situation and explore options for leaving the “Duldung” status.
Conclusion
A previous “Duldung” period is generally not counted towards the legally required years of residence for naturalization in Germany, which makes it a practical obstacle to obtaining citizenship. Changing the status to a secure residence title is therefore the most important step in accumulating the required residence years and building long-term integration into German society.
The authors and editorial team of this website strive to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may not be fully verified. Therefore, please treat the information in these articles as an initial point of reference and always contact the competent authorities for final, officially confirmed information.
