As a foreigner in Germany the rights you’re afforded, and the hoops you need to jump through, are determined by your residency or citizenship status. One common question that comes up is the differences between them. Here's an overview.
Paul Krantz - paul.krantz@thelocal.com
Updated: Sun 21 Dec 2025 07:42 CET
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The Reichstag building is reflected in a puddle after rain fall in Berlin. (Photo by RALF HIRSCHBERGER / AFP)
As a foreigner in Germany the rights you’re afforded, and the hoops you need to jump through, are determined by your residency or citizenship status. One common question that comes up is the differences between them. Here's an overview.
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