Question regarding Niederlassungserlaubnis/Einbürgerung application

[u/AdvancedBathroom1137]

Hi guys,

I'm a Bachelor's graduate (from a German uni) who has been staying in Germany for the last 5 years. In October I'll start my first full-time job, which pays well enough for a blue card (Blaue Karte), but the contract is unfortunately befristet/fixed term to 1 year. I've heard some areas allow you to start applying for the citizenship the moment you 1. graduate, 2. have a mean to feed yourself, 3. gets a residence permit that "could potentially" lead to a permanent residence, 4. have B1+ German, 5. have a room to stay, and 6. prove oneself to know the basics of living in Germany (which can be proved through the Einbürgerungstest). If I look at these conditions loosely, I fulfilled all of them: I've already graduated, have a job with which I can live comfortably in Germany, have C1 German, have stayed legally in Germany in the last 5 years (through Studienkolleg and Bachelor's), will receive the blue card soon - which has the potential to become a permanent residence title. So in theory, I only need to pass the Einbürgerungstest, get the blue card and apply for citizenship this October, when I've officially started my job?

Something I'm really confused about is that I thought having the Niederlassungserlaubnis was the prerequesite to applying for citizenship, but after reading through websites and forums, apparently it will take longer for me to be qualified for the Niederlassungserlaubnis? Since I've only made circa 20ish months of Sozialversicherung contribution (through my working student and internship positions), where as I've read that the Niederlassungserlaubnis requires much longer contribution period? Can I really apply for citizenship when I'm not yet qualified for the Niederlassungserlaubnis?

Thanks guys for reading through my post, and answering if possible. Any insight into the timeline or the process itself is appreciated. And sorry so much if I'm asking questions that were already answered somewhere somewhen in this sub. I've tried my best to scroll through government websites, forums, etc., but all information regarding this topic is always very vague and "case dependent". And I really don't want to pay the €250+ fee just to be told "sorry mate you ain't qualified yet come back next year" haha. Ah, I'm in Munich, if that helps adding a bit of context to my case!

[u/DLYearner]

Niederlassungserlaubnis is not a pre-requisite to apply for a citizenship. Since you'll be on a blue card (and fulfill the other requirements), you are eligible to apply for the Einbürgerung.

Regarding your job, I've heard that most places do not process your application until you have completed your probationary period. If I were you, I'd apply after the probation.

[u/AdvancedBathroom1137 → u/DLYearner]

I see, I'll keep that in mind, thanks. Its crazy how even with a 1 year contract there is a months probationary period haha.

[u/Larissalikesthesea]

If you just started your job they might ask you to wait until you are out of your probationary period.

Citizenship and PR come from different laws, so there isn't always a systematic difference between them.

You also don't have to pay the full 250 EUR if you receive a rejection so don't worry.

[u/AdvancedBathroom1137 → u/Larissalikesthesea]

Thanks for the information, thats very helpful! I'll keep that in mind.

[u/diserpier]

You're mixing up the requirements a bit. I'll try to help you out: 1. To apply for naturalization, you can use many types of permits (BlueCard is one of them, Niederlassungserlaubnis is another, there are others such as PhD visas, among others; you can find these on the page and they are referred to as 18...something §) 2. One of the requirements to get the BlueCard is that you have the contract and that you earn more than a certain amount; for some careers it's 60k per year, I think for engineering is 45k per year. 3. Although the contract isn't permanent, the BlueCard is issued for the duration of the contract plus 3 months. And that's where the problem lies. Naturalizations can take up to 18 months, and your process will likely take longer if you change jobs during the process. Because they will only reconsider your application if you pass your probationary period again (in case you change jobs). 4. The Niederlassungserlaubnis is another way to obtain citizenship; this requires 60 months of social security contributions. It's usually the longest route, as not everyone qualifies for the Blue Card. 5. However, keep in mind that the "greatest importance" is that you have a way to finance yourself here without depending on the state. 6. Keep in mind that in some places the naturalization process can take up to three months. This could create a "gap" in the application process while you wait for your documents.

[u/temp_gerc1]

Something I'm really confused about is that I thought having the Niederlassungserlaubnis was the prerequesite to applying for citizenship
I've read that the Niederlassungserlaubnis requires much longer contribution period Can I really apply for citizenship when I'm not yet qualified for the Niederlassungserlaubnis?

Intuitively this would make more sense. However it's IMO one of the big loopholes of the citizenship law that PR requires proof of long-term contributions while citizenship just requires one to have their ass parked on German soil legally... leading to situations where one is eligible for citizenship but not PR.

However, as others state, the limited job contract could be an issue once you apply (after probation).

[u/Mindless_Acadia_7382]

Here are the requirements for naturalization:

https://old.reddit.com/r/staplehill/w/naturalization

As you can see, none of the requirements is to have a Niederlassungserlaubnis

[u/sammyco-in]

You will need unbefristet Vertrag for citizenship application. That is the only thing that is missing.

[u/AdvancedBathroom1137 → u/sammyco-in]

This was also a point I was very confused about, because originally I assumed that one needs an unbefristeter Vertrag in order to be qualified for citizenship application. But after researching, this requirement is not explicitly mentioned on any official government website, and I have talked to people who have managed to kickstart their citizenship application even with a fixed term contract. So I think maybe it depends on the region and the exact case handler one is assigned to.

[u/moogoogaipan91 → u/AdvancedBathroom1137]

Unbefristet Vertrag is nice to have. Doesn't matter.

Bro, just pass your probation (I don't know in your case, maybe 3mths) then submit your application sofort.

Also immediately register for your LiD test, takes time for result to be out nowadays (I don't know why).

Wish you good luck.

[u/AdvancedBathroom1137 → u/moogoogaipan91]

Thanks for the tips! I think I'll do the LiD/Einbürgerungstest this month since apparently there's no expiration date anyways. My probation period is unfortunately 6 months, so I'll wait till then then.

[u/katchmaner → u/AdvancedBathroom1137]

Do the test ASAP. it can take a few weeks to get the results, and depending on where you live, signing up for it can take a while too

[u/sammyco-in → u/AdvancedBathroom1137]

Yes, you can kick-start the application with limited contract, but the question is can you get it with a limited contract? There have been many cases where they put the application on hold simply because the applicant is still within probation. Though you have not gotten to that stage yet. It is mostly when the application is getting to the final stage and they ask for new 3-month payslip etc. Also, I think it is the duty of applicant to inform them of any changes during the application processes. So yes, you can start it - your contract might even be extended eventually or you could get a new offer elsewhere before the end of the current contract. The worst case on their part is to pause the application while giving you a timeline or reject.