Berlin is one of Europe's most international cities, home to an estimated 850,000 foreign residents — people who live, work, pay taxes, and contribute to the city's social and cultural life, but who currently have no vote in German federal or state elections. A recent edition of The Local's 'Inside Germany' newsletter raises a pointed question: what would German democracy look like if those residents could vote? It is a question that sits at the heart of a broader, ongoing debate about political representation, integration, and what it means to belong to a community. For expats and immigrants in Germany, understanding where this debate stands — and what rights you do and do not have — is genuinely important.
The figure of 850,000 foreign residents in Berlin covers a wide range of people: EU citizens who have moved from other member states, non-EU nationals on work visas or residence permits, long-term residents who have lived in Germany for years or even decades, and people in various stages of the immigration or asylum process. Together, they represent a significant portion of Berlin's population and are deeply embedded in the city's economy and social fabric.
Despite this, their political voice in German elections is severely limited. Most foreign residents — particularly those from outside the EU — cannot vote in Bundestag (federal parliament) elections, state (Länder) elections, or, in most cases, local council elections.
EU citizens living in Germany do have the right to vote in European Parliament elections and in local (municipal) elections, under EU law. However, they cannot vote in German federal or state elections unless they hold German citizenship.
Non-EU citizens have even more limited rights: in most German states, they have no voting rights at all, even at the local level, regardless of how long they have lived in Germany. This is a significant distinction from some other European countries, where long-term residents can vote locally after a certain period of residence.
Advocates for expanding voting rights to foreign residents argue that people who contribute to a society — paying taxes, following laws, raising children in the school system — should have a say in decisions that affect them. Cities like Berlin, with very large international populations, are particularly cited in this discussion. The argument is that democracy functions better when it includes all the people who are governed by its decisions.
Opponents typically raise questions about the link between citizenship and political rights, arguing that voting is a privilege tied to nationality and the formal commitment represented by naturalisation (Einbürgerung).
If you are a non-EU citizen living in Germany and you want a political voice, the most direct path is naturalisation. Germany's Einbürgerung process has been the subject of recent reforms — including changes that have made it somewhat more accessible in certain circumstances. If you are an EU citizen, you can already vote in European and local elections in Germany, but not in federal or state ones.
For those interested in civic participation short of voting, there are other avenues: integration advisory councils (Integrationsräte or Migrantenbeiräte) exist in many German cities and districts, allowing foreign residents to raise issues with local government. These are worth looking into as a way to have your voice heard.
No. EU citizens living in Germany can vote in European Parliament elections and in local (municipal) elections, but not in German state (Landtag) or federal (Bundestag) elections. To vote in those, you would need to become a German citizen.
The Einbürgerung process is handled by your local Einbürgerungsbehörde (naturalisation authority), typically located within your city or district administration. Requirements include a minimum period of legal residence in Germany, sufficient German language skills, financial self-sufficiency, and other criteria. BAMF provides guidance on the general requirements. Because rules can vary and recent legislative changes may affect your case, consulting a qualified immigration lawyer is advisable.
Yes — many districts in Berlin have Integrationsräte or Migrantenbeiräte, advisory councils that give foreign residents a formal channel to engage with local government on issues affecting them. These are not the same as voting, but they are a recognised form of civic participation.
The debate about voting rights for Berlin's 850,000 foreign residents reflects a broader question Germany continues to grapple with: how to include its large international population in democratic life. For now, the rules are clear — most non-German residents cannot vote in federal or state elections. If political participation is important to you, exploring the Einbürgerung route or engaging with local integration councils are the most practical steps available. Stay informed as this debate evolves — it has the potential to shape policy in the coming years.
Source: The Local
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