Schengen Residency Permit

[Boo]

My thai cousin in law moved to Germany 6 years ago with her German husband. Her 3 kids joined them 2 years later & are all well integrated into the local life. They all have permenant residency permits & my cousin in law has her own thriving business.

How long is it before she & her kids (aged 19, 16 & 12) can apply for German citizenship & what is the process they need to follow to achieve it?

Thanks

[7by7]

Hi, Boo, not sure if this website is official, but it does seem to cover most aspects.

As a general rule, foreigners now have the right to become naturalized after eight years of habitual residence in Germany, provided they meet the relevant conditions, instead of the fifteen years previously required. The minimum period of residence for spouses of German nationals is usually shorter.

Although it doesn't say how shorter!

It finishes with

If you are a foreigner living in Germany and have questions about acquiring German nationality, please contact the local authority in the town or district in which you reside.

One very important point

The aim of avoiding multiple nationality remains a key feature of the German law on nationality. In general, those applying for naturalization must give up their foreign nationality.

(My emphasis)

So your cousin and her children will need to decide if obtaining German nationality is more beneficial to them than retaining their Thai nationality. Unless they can show they meet one or more of the requirements to be excepted from this rule.

Edited October 8, 2009 by 7by7