Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been residing in Germany for the past seven years and currently hold a Permanent Residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis). I am employed at a well-known IT company and live in the Ludwigsburg District. I would like to apply for German citizenship under the new rule that came into force today. I have a few questions regarding this process:
- Additional Questions on the "Leben in Deutschland" (LID) Exam: I have already passed the "Leben in Deutschland" (LID) exam. I understand that there are now additional questions related to the protection of Jewish life (Section 10 (1) sentence 1 no. 1a of the Naturalisation Act). How should I address this new requirement? Is it necessary to retake the test, or is there an alternative process for answering these new questions?
- Digital Application Process for Ludwigsburg District: Is there a digital application process available for citizenship applications in the Ludwigsburg District?
- Language Certificate Requirement: I have read the handbook section on "I do not have a language certificate – what can I do?" and understand that submitting a language certificate is necessary. Currently, I do not have a language certificate. Are there any alternatives or additional options available for fulfilling this requirement apart from those mentioned in the handbook?
- Interview Process and Questions: Are there specific questions that are typically asked during the citizenship application interview? If so, could you provide some examples or guidance on what to expect?
- Photograph Requirements: For the photograph submission, should it be the usual passport size (35mm x 45mm), or is a different size required?
- New Website for Citizenship Rules: I assume a new website has been launched today for the updated citizenship rules. Has it been launched yet, or will it take some time? If it is already available, could you please share the link?
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response.
Kind Regards,
Puneet
Dear puneetmahali , Thank you for contacting us with your questions:
1. First of all, congratulations on your LID exam. I assume you will not have to retake it. You may have to answer additional topics in supplemental questions. The new rules have been in effect since yesterday and we do not know in detail how they will be implemented.
2. Digital application process for Ludwigsburg district: there is no digital application process available: https://www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/de/verkehr-sicherheit-ordnung/sich…
3. Interview process and questions: you may be asked why you want to get a German citizenship, you may also get questions from German history, politics, culture (including Jewish life). You may be asked questions about your integration into German society, such as social activities, your work. I suggest that you keep up to date with current events in Germany.
4. Language Certificate Requirement: The information you found in the Handbook is correct. A language certificate is generally required for citizenship applications.
5. Photo requirements: Yes, the standard passport size photograph (35mm x 45mm) is required.
6. New website for citizenship rules: There may not be a completely new website specifically for the updated rules that were launched yesterday.
I suggest that you call/email the number listed on the website of the Landkreis Ludwigsburg: 07141/144-66159. They can answer all your specific questions about the application process, including the LID exam. You can also ask for advice in the forum, e.g. see if others have had similar questions or topics and write your questions below + tag the person (with @). Best Barbara