§24 and German citizenship: Does temporary protection count toward naturalization?

Ukrainians with temporary protection under §24 in Germany are increasingly interested in the possibility of naturalization. The law allows this period to be counted toward the required length of residence, but a number of additional conditions must be met in order to apply for citizenship. Learn more about the requirements for naturalization, changing the type of residence permit, and the nuances that may affect your path to a German passport

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Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are in Germany on the basis of temporary protection under §24 AufenthG. Many of them have been living, working, and integrating into German society for several years, so the question of prospects for obtaining citizenship is becoming increasingly relevant.

Does the period of residence under §24 count towards the required length of residence for naturalization, what requirements must be met, and what type of residence permit is required to apply? We will explain this further in this article.

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Does §24 count towards the period of residence required for German citizenship?

According to §10 Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (German Citizenship Act) in the 2024/2025 edition, time spent in the country under a §24 AufenthG permit is considered legal residence. This means that the years spent in Germany under temporary protection are taken into account when calculating the total period required to apply for naturalization.

The standard period of legal residence for obtaining German citizenship is 5 years. If there are special integration achievements, this period can be reduced to 3 years. Thus, Ukrainians who arrived in Germany at the beginning of the full-scale invasion may already be approaching the required minimum. However, the mere fact of accumulating the period does not mean that it is automatically possible to apply — there are a number of additional conditions.

A detailed guide to working in Germany in 2026, where to look for jobs, which specialties are most in demand, and lots of other useful information can be found here.

Why can't you obtain citizenship directly with §24 status?

Despite the fact that the period of residence under §24 is counted, it is usually not possible to apply for citizenship directly with this type of permit. Before naturalization, it is necessary to change the residence status to another type of permit — work, study, or family. The presence of another residence permit is a prerequisite for submitting documents.

Temporary protection under §24 has been extended until March 4, 2027, which gives Ukrainians enough time to prepare for the transition to another type of residence permit. This transition period should be used to fulfill all integration requirements and collect the necessary documents so that you are fully prepared for the naturalization procedure at the time of the status change.

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Requirements for naturalization in Germany in 2026

To obtain German citizenship, the applicant must meet several key criteria. First and foremost, they must be financially independent without receiving social assistance (Bürgergeld). Applicants must also have a German language proficiency of at least B1, pass a citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest), recognize the German Constitution, and have no serious criminal convictions. A separate requirement is that the applicant's identity must be confirmed and they must have a valid passport.

Simplified language requirements apply to children under the age of 16.

There are also exceptions for elderly people or people with illnesses that prevent them from meeting the standard requirements. Spouses of German citizens can take advantage of a separate naturalization procedure in accordance with §9 Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz, which has slightly different requirements.

We recently reported that ID cards have become more expensive in Germany.

What can interrupt the period of residence in Germany?

One important aspect to keep in mind is the continuity of stay in the country. Leaving Germany for more than 6 months interrupts the period of residence, and the count can start over. For Ukrainians who regularly travel to their homeland or travel abroad, this point requires special attention.

Therefore, when planning trips abroad, it is advisable to keep track of the length of your stay outside Germany and to keep documents confirming your departure and return dates. A careful approach to this issue will help avoid a situation where the accumulated period of residence is questioned when considering an application for naturalization.

The naturalization procedure in Germany has many nuances, especially for §24 status holders, who must first change their type of residence permit. The Visit Ukraine portal offers professional advice from a lawyer specializing in migration issues, who will help you understand the requirements, assess your chances, and prepare a strategy for transitioning to another residence permit.

Book a consultation on the Visit Ukraine website to get personalized recommendations on your path to citizenship!

Reminder! Housing costs and salary levels in Germany vary significantly depending on the city. How many years does it take to save up for an apartment in Germany, and where is housing most affordable for buyers — find out by following the link.

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