There are also privileges for some additional groups.

For example, foreign students who have completed their studies and have obtained a German university degree can stay in Germany for an additional period of 18 months and look for adequate work.

Foreign nationals may apply for a settlement permit, which confers unlimited residence rights, if they have held residence permits for at least four years, and if they fulfill further requirements (e.g., contribution to the German (statutory) pension scheme for at least 48 months and sufficient knowledge of the German language). Holders of EU Blue Cards may apply for a settlement permit after 33 months. This period is reduced to 21 months if the foreign national concerned can prove sufficient knowledge of the German language (language skills at B1 level).

Spouses and dependent children may accompany the holder of a work-related residence permit. They are entitled to a residence title for family reunion purposes. Family members may only stay in Germany as long as the primary applicant does. Furthermore, the primary applicant must provide evidence of the ability to financially support all family members during their stay in Germany. Foreign nationals who receive a German residence title for family reunion purposes are entitled to work without any restrictions.

As stated above, the German parliament passed a law on 19 January 2024 that significantly eases the process of naturalization. The key aspects of the new reform include the following changes to German citizenship law:

• Naturalization will be accelerated — the minimum period of residence in Germany required for naturalization will be reduced from the current eight years to five years. In addition, in exceptional cases of "special integration achievements," the minimum period of residence will be reduced to three years.
• Acceptance of dual citizenship —immigrants can have dual citizenship without having to give up their current citizenship. This is something that has not been possible for many people outside the European Union, as they were required to give up their previous citizenship to obtain German citizenship. In addition, German citizens who wish to acquire another citizenship will be able to retain their German citizenship and will not have to apply for permission to retain their German citizenship, which will be a significant relief.
• Simplified naturalization process for children of foreign parents — children born in Germany to foreign parents will be granted German citizenship at birth if at least one parent has lived legally in Germany for at least five years and has been granted permanent residency. Previously, this requirement was eight years.
• Modification of the language requirements for the guest worker group "Gastarbeiter group" —B1 level German language skills will no longer be required, and instead, conversational German language skills will be deemed sufficient for those in this group. Furthermore, the requirement for a citizenship test will be waived.

This new law is expected to come into force on 26 June 2024.

According to the new citizenship law described above, foreign nationals who want to become naturalized German citizens will generally be able to apply for naturalization after five years of legal residence in Germany. In exceptional cases, applicants who have demonstrated a high level of integration in school, training or work, or who have high language skills, may apply for naturalization after three years of legal residence in Germany. In addition, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

• Be established in Germany (i.e., have the ability to support both themselves and all other family members without the help of welfare benefits or unemployment assistance)
• Not have a criminal record
• Possess an adequate command of the German language

• Be familiar with the legal system, society and living conditions in the Federal Republic of Germany, and pass the naturalization test 

However, foreign applicants must not relinquish their former citizenship. German naturalization is generally not possible from abroad.