Jewish immigration to Germany: history and advantages

Immigration rights to Germany today belong to Jews and their descendants living in the former Soviet Union.

The history of this state program in Germany, which allows Jews to move to the country on Jewish lines, goes back 30 years. The law "On the Admission of Jewish Migrants from the USSR" was passed on April 12, 1990 in the GDR (Gesetz über Maßnahmen für im Rahmen humanitärer Hilfsaktionen aufgenommene Flüchtlinge). This law was a kind of compensation for the Jews for the persecution they had endured in the 1930s and 1940s.

Amendments to the Contingent Refugee Act of January 9, 1991 allowed Jews from the USSR to move to united Germany. It is believed that about 220,000 Jews moved to the country thanks to these amendments.

On January 1, 2005, a new Immigration Act (Zuwanderungsgesetz) came into force, which determined that Jews previously recognized as contingent refugees could immigrate to Germany in accordance with the Act on the Residence of Foreigners in the Federal Territory of July 30, 2004 (Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG). Since then, Jewish immigration to Germany has been subject to new rules.

The benefits of immigration for Jews include:

1. Opportunity to change residence on favorable terms and obtain permanent residence in Germany for Jews.

2. Eligibility for German citizenship.

3. Ability to travel freely within the Schengen area.

4. Allowances and benefits from the government.

5. Admission to the local Jewish community.

6. The right to employment within the European Union.

Conditions of immigration to Germany for Jews and integration potential

In order to immigrate to Germany on Jewish lines, the following conditions must be met:

1. Jewish roots:A potential immigrant must have Jewish roots by birth, i.e. one of the parents, grandparents or grandparents who are Jewish by nationality. However, it should be noted that recently the German immigration authorities may refuse to accept an immigrant if only the grandfather is a Jewish relative.

2. Citizenship of a former Soviet republic:The immigrant must be a citizen of one of the former Soviet republics.

3. Knowledge of German:The immigrant must be able to speak German at least at A1 level and provide the corresponding certificate.

4. The ability to provide for oneself:An immigrant must have the means to support himself or herself while living in Germany.

5. Confirmation of admission to a Jewish religious community:The immigrant must be approved for admission to one of the Jewish religious communities and provide a document to that effect.

6. The absence of a religion other than Judaism:An immigrant must not adhere to any religion other than Judaism.

7. Integration Potential:Integration capacity is determined by a point system where a minimum score of 50 points out of 125 possible points is required. This potential depends on the following criteria:

   • Age:Younger candidates get more points, with each year after age 30 being skillful
     Documents for obtaining a national visa to immigrate to Germany on Jewish lines:

     1. Visa application in German.

     2. Admission decision issued by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

     3. Internal Passport.

     4. A passport.

     5. Birth Certificate.

     6. 2 photographs measuring 45 × 35 mm.

     7. Certificate of proficiency in German.

     8. A health insurance policy with 90 days coverage.

     9. Certificate from the cadastral registry on the presence or absence of real estate in the applicant's country of residence.

     10. Certificate from the Pension Fund indicating the amount of pension (if necessary).

     11. Other documents as requested by consular officials.

   • The processing time of a visa application is from five working days. Once the visa is granted, the applicant can enter Germany, but this visa is only valid for 90 days and entitles the applicant to a single entry.
     After arrival in Germany, the immigrant goes to the settlement region specified in the admission decision. The region is selected on the basis of the place of residence of relatives, friends or the applicant's wishes at the time of application.
     After arrival in the region, the immigrant temporarily resides in a distribution camp until his/her permanent residence is determined.