Berlin is preparing for a major local election in September, and the political landscape looks sharply polarized. Current polling places the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and the left-wing Die Linke as the two strongest forces in the city. For the nearly 800,000 non-German residents who call Berlin home — roughly one in five of the city's population — the outcome of this election matters directly. The AfD's platform includes strong restrictions on immigration and integration support, while Die Linke has historically been more supportive of immigrant rights and social spending. Understanding what is at stake, and what changes local government can and cannot make, is important for any expat or immigrant living in or planning to move to Berlin.
The AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) has made immigration restriction the centerpiece of its platform at every level of government. At the Berlin state level, their proposals have included tougher enforcement of deportation orders, cuts to integration services, and reducing benefits for asylum seekers. It is important to note that immigration law in Germany is primarily a federal matter — the Aufenthaltsgesetz and rules on Aufenthaltstitel, Niederlassungserlaubnis, and Einbürgerung are set at the national level by the Bundestag. A Berlin AfD-led senate could not, for example, unilaterally revoke residence permits or override federal immigration law.
However, state and city governments do control significant areas that affect immigrants directly: the staffing and policy priorities of local Ausländerbehörde offices, funding for Integrationskurs programs, housing allocation, policing priorities, and social services. A shift in Berlin's senate could lead to slower processing times, reduced support services, and a changed atmosphere in public institutions.
Die Linke has positioned itself at the opposite end of the spectrum, advocating for more generous integration support, housing protections, and welcoming policies toward immigrants and refugees. The party has been a significant force in Berlin politics for decades and has governed as part of coalition governments.
It is worth being clear about the limits of local power on immigration issues:
What Berlin's senate CAN influence:
What Berlin's senate CANNOT change:
This distinction matters. Even in a worst-case scenario for immigrant-friendly policy, fundamental legal rights and federal protections remain in place.
The AfD's strength in Berlin is part of a broader national trend. The party came second in the February 2025 federal election, receiving over 20% of the national vote — its best result ever. While it remains constitutionally barred from governing at the federal level due to other parties' refusal to form coalitions with it, its growing vote share increases pressure on mainstream parties to adopt harder lines on immigration. This dynamic is playing out at the state level too.
For expats, particularly those from outside the EU or from countries with higher profiles in German immigration debate, this political environment creates a real — if difficult to quantify — shift in social atmosphere. Reports of increased stop-and-check incidents, tenser interactions at government offices, and heightened visibility of anti-immigration rhetoric in public life are worth taking seriously, even when legal rights remain intact.
If you are an EU citizen and have completed your Anmeldung (registration of residence) in Berlin, you are eligible to vote in local (Bezirk) and state (Abgeordnetenhaus) elections. Non-EU citizens, including those with long-term residence permits or Niederlassungserlaubnis, cannot vote in German elections at any level unless they become citizens through Einbürgerung.
No immediate action is required on your permit. As noted above, residence permit law is federal. Your existing Aufenthaltstitel remains valid regardless of local election results. That said, it is always wise to ensure your documents are current and that any pending applications are submitted promptly and with complete paperwork — processing times and administrative priorities at the Ausländerbehörde can be affected by local government priorities.
Berlin's September election is politically significant, but expats should approach it with clear-eyed realism: local government has real but limited power over immigration policy. Your core rights are protected at the federal level. What may change is the quality and accessibility of integration services, the atmosphere in public institutions, and the speed of administrative processing. Stay informed, ensure your paperwork is in order, and — if you are an EU citizen — consider exercising your right to vote. For anyone considering Einbürgerung, the current federal rules make this a good moment to check whether you qualify.
Source: The Local
Want news like this in your inbox?
The most relevant news for expats in Germany, no noise.
The AfD could make history in Saxony-Anhalt's state election. Here's what that means for migrants and people with a migration background living in Germany.
The AfD is using provocative live streamers to amplify its political message in Germany. Here's what this media strategy means for the political climate expats live in.
Unions, churches and sports clubs join forces to offer practical help to victims of right-wing extremist attacks and threats in Germany — including support for volunteers.
