Migrationspolitik: Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht: Knapp 40 Prozent bleiben dauerhaft

According to Germany's federal government, just under 40% of people who have utilized the "Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" (Opportunity Residence Law) introduced by the coalition government can secure long-term residency. This information comes from a response to a parliamentary question posed by Green Party member Filiz Polat. The goal of the government was to demonstrate alternative ways out of temporary stays.

The "Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" was introduced in late 2022, targeting those who had been residing in Germany continuously since October 31, 2022. They received a provisional residence permit for 18 months to meet the conditions for permanent residency during this time. Those eligible for temporary stays are individuals who are usually required to leave but cannot be deported for various reasons, such as family circumstances, lack of documentation, or illness.

As of December 31, 2025, 190,974 out of 232,067 people with temporary stays held this status. Over 90,000 people sought this opportunity. A total of 91,116 residence permits were granted under the "Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" rule. By the cutoff date of September 30, 2026, 32,233 of them received permanent residency for adults. Temporary residency for minors and young adults was granted in 4,135 cases.

As of September, roughly 12,000 people were again deemed temporary residents within this program. They still held the title until its expiration date. As of the latest count, 7,131 foreigners remained in this category, with their title valid until its period of validity ended. By September, 27,763 of those who benefited from the "Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" were now living in Germany under a so-called "fictional certificate."

This is issued to those who have submitted an application for a residence permit that has not yet been decided. Others returned to temporary residency, 11,935 individuals. Some received different types of residence permits, had their title revoked, expired, or were denied. According to the federal government, 3,957 people who once opted for the "Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" no longer resided in Germany by the latest count.

The CDU, CSU, and SPD, having agreed on a more stringent immigration policy in their coalition agreement, did not renew this rule. Green politician Filiz Polat criticized this decision, stating that the figures delivered by the federal government showed that when people receive necessary conditions, they also seize the opportunities presented to them.

Often, the absence of residency security is the only thing preventing them from obtaining employment authorization, attending language courses, or finding a company willing to provide a job. Employers, too, needed certainty that their employees would not be suddenly deported.