Berlin Election: What Each Party Says on Immigration and Citizenship

Introduction

For the hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals living in Berlin, state elections are never just a local political event — they have direct implications for how immigration rules are applied, how integration services are funded, and how welcoming the city's political environment feels. Ahead of Sunday's Berlin state election, TheLocal has published a roundup of where the capital's political parties stand on immigration and German citizenship. This guide summarises what is known and explains why it matters for expats, immigrants, and long-term foreign residents in one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities.

Why Berlin's Election Matters for Foreign Residents

Berlin is home to one of the largest communities of foreign nationals in Germany. Immigration and citizenship policy — including how the Ausländerbehörde operates, how Integrationskurse are funded and delivered, and how paths to Einbürgerung are supported or restricted — can be influenced significantly by which parties form the state government.

While core immigration law is set at the federal level, state governments have real influence over how policies are implemented locally. They control budgets for integration services, set the tone for how authorities interact with foreign residents, and can advocate for or against certain federal policy directions. For someone waiting on a Niederlassungserlaubnis or planning to apply for Einbürgerung, the political makeup of the Berlin Senate matters.

What the Parties Are Saying

The TheLocal roundup covers what Berlin's main political parties are saying about immigration and citizenship rules ahead of the vote. While the full detail of each party's position requires reading the source article directly, the broad landscape in German politics on these issues typically spans a wide range — from parties that favour more inclusive integration policies and easier paths to citizenship, to those that advocate stricter controls and higher barriers to residency and naturalisation.

For foreign residents in Berlin, the most relevant questions to ask of each party include:

• Citizenship (Einbürgerung): Does the party support or oppose making it easier for long-term residents to naturalise? Germany's citizenship law was updated at the federal level in recent years, but state governments can influence how smoothly applications are processed locally.
• Integration services: Does the party commit to funding Integrationskurse, language support, and other programmes that help newcomers settle?
• Ausländerbehörde capacity: Long waiting times at Berlin's Ausländerbehörde are a persistent problem. Does the party propose measures to improve efficiency?
• Asylum and refugee policy: What does the party say about how Berlin should handle asylum seekers and the Bürgergeld benefits that support them while their cases are decided?

Because this article is based on a summary rather than the full policy texts, we strongly recommend reading the original TheLocal piece and consulting parties' official manifestos for precise commitments.

How to Use This Information as a Foreign Resident

Even if you cannot vote in the Berlin state election — most non-EU foreign nationals are not eligible to vote in German state elections — knowing where parties stand on immigration matters for several practical reasons:

• It helps you anticipate likely policy directions if a particular coalition forms government.
• It tells you which local politicians and parties are likely to be allies if you need to advocate for your rights or raise concerns.
• It informs any civic participation you are entitled to, such as district-level elections where some foreign residents may have voting rights.

If you are an EU citizen living in Berlin, you may be eligible to vote in certain elections. Check with the local Bürgeramt for guidance on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Berlin state election change my visa or residence permit status?

No state election can directly alter your existing permit or visa, as those are governed by federal law. However, state-level decisions on staffing, budgets, and policy priorities can affect how quickly and smoothly your applications are processed by local authorities such as the Ausländerbehörde.

I want to apply for Einbürgerung — should I wait to see the election result first?

Generally, it is advisable not to delay an application unnecessarily, as processing times can be long. The rules governing Einbürgerung are set federally. For advice tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or contact BAMF.

Where can I find each party's full immigration manifesto?

Each Berlin party publishes its election manifesto (Wahlprogramm) on its official website. These documents set out detailed policy commitments and are the most reliable source of party positions.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Berlin's state election is a significant moment for the city's large and diverse foreign resident community. Even if you cannot vote, staying informed about what parties are proposing on immigration and citizenship is a practical step toward understanding how your life in Germany might be shaped in the years ahead. Read the original TheLocal roundup, consult official party manifestos, and follow Deutschland4U for ongoing coverage of how German politics affects expats and immigrants.

Source: thelocal