Germany holds state (Länder) elections regularly, and with federal politics also in flux, understanding who the main parties are — and what they stand for — has never been more important for the expat community. Whether you are already eligible to vote (EU citizens can vote in local and European elections), thinking about Einbürgerung, or simply trying to understand the political environment that shapes immigration policy, housing regulation, and integration funding, this guide is for you. Political decisions made in Berlin and in state capitals directly affect your Aufenthaltstitel, your access to Integrationskurse, and even your path to a Niederlassungserlaubnis.
Germany's political landscape is shaped by several established parties and a few newer forces:
CDU/CSU (Christian Democratic Union / Christian Social Union): Germany's traditional centre-right bloc. The CDU operates across most of Germany; the CSU is its Bavarian sister party. They generally favour controlled immigration, skilled-worker recruitment, and stricter enforcement of deportation rules. Under Friedrich Merz, the CDU has taken a notably harder line on irregular migration.
SPD (Social Democratic Party): The centre-left party, historically the party of workers' rights and the welfare state. The SPD has generally supported pathways to integration and citizenship reform, including the recent reform that allowed dual citizenship under the new Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz.
Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen): Progressive on immigration and refugee rights, the Greens advocate for easier naturalization, anti-discrimination measures, and robust integration funding. They tend to be the most pro-immigration of the mainstream parties.
FDP (Free Democratic Party): A liberal, pro-business party. The FDP supports skilled-worker immigration as an economic necessity but is more cautious about broader refugee intake. They champion the Chancenkarte (opportunity card) concept.
AfD (Alternative für Deutschland): The far-right party and currently the second-largest in national polls. The AfD advocates for mass deportations, the reversal of dual-citizenship rules, and dramatically reduced immigration. Their policies, if enacted, would directly and severely affect most of the expat and immigrant community.
BSW (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht): A newer left-nationalist party that combines economic left positions with restrictive views on migration. They have gained traction in eastern German states.
Die Linke (The Left): Traditionally pro-migrant rights, pro-refugee, and supportive of open borders. Currently in a period of restructuring after losing members to BSW.
For immigrants, the most consequential policy areas are:
Naturalization and citizenship: The SPD-led coalition introduced dual citizenship in 2024, reducing the standard residency requirement to five years (or three for special contributions). A CDU/CSU-led government has signalled it would revisit some of these reforms. The AfD would roll them back entirely.
Skilled worker immigration: Most parties except the AfD broadly support the 2023 Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Worker Immigration Act), which opened new pathways via the Chancenkarte. The FDP and CDU emphasise economic migration; the Greens and SPD also emphasise humanitarian pathways.
Refugee and asylum policy: This is the sharpest dividing line. CDU/CSU, AfD, and BSW advocate for tighter controls and faster deportations. SPD and Greens favour legal pathways and integration investment.
Integration funding: Cuts to public budgets can affect Integrationskurs availability, Jobcenter staffing, and BAMF processing times. Parties that favour austerity may indirectly slow down bureaucratic processes that affect you.
State governments control important areas: housing policy, school integration, policing, and — crucially — how Ausländerbehörde offices are staffed and how quickly they process applications. A state with a different governing coalition than the federal government can create a noticeably different experience for immigrants. Watching state election results in the state where you live is genuinely worthwhile.
EU citizens living in Germany can vote in local (Kommunal) elections and European Parliament elections. You must register to vote — it does not happen automatically. Non-EU nationals cannot vote in German state or federal elections unless they have obtained German citizenship.
Yes, it can. Party policies determine how immigration law is written and how generously (or strictly) it is interpreted. For example, the dual-citizenship reform passed under the current SPD-Greens-FDP coalition would likely not have passed under a CDU/CSU majority. Future changes to naturalization requirements, permit categories, or deportation rules all depend on who governs.
The Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (bpb.de) offers non-partisan summaries of party programmes in multiple languages. The Wahl-O-Mat tool (available before elections) lets you compare your views with party positions.
Germany's political landscape is shifting, and the outcomes of both state and federal elections will shape immigration policy, integration funding, and citizenship rules for years to come. As an expat or immigrant, staying informed is not just civic duty — it is self-protection. Read party programmes, follow reputable German news sources, and if you are eligible to vote, register and participate. If you are considering Einbürgerung, consult a legal adviser or your local Ausländerbehörde about how current and potential future rules apply to your specific situation.
Source: The Local (thelocal.de)
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