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Changing purpose, settlement permit, naturalisation, dual citizenship, returning to Canada.

Change of purpose

Switching, for example, from student to employee or from working holiday to Blue Card needs a new application before the permit ends (fee €98, § 45 AufenthV). Whether a working-holiday permit can be converted: ask the LEA. See Study, Skilled worker.

Settlement permit

See Skilled worker (§ 18c): 36/24 months; Blue Card 27 (A1) / 21 (B1). General rule: § 9 AufenthG.

Naturalisation and dual citizenship

• Regular naturalisation after 5 years (§ 10 StAG), with secure living costs, B1 German, knowledge of the legal system and no serious convictions. The 3-year route has been abolished since 30 Oct 2025.
• Multiple citizenship has been allowed in Germany since 27 June 2024. Canada also allows dual citizenship, so you need not give up the Canadian one. Confirm on canada.ca for your case.
• Check German ancestry first.

Returning to Canada

Re-establishing Canadian residence has tax and health-plan consequences. Not covered here; see the CRA's pages on returning to Canada and your province's waiting period. Start at Taxes and leaving Canada.

Benefits

Bürgergeld was replaced by Grundsicherungsgeld on 1 July 2026. Claiming benefits can affect residence and naturalisation. Ask an adviser first.