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Conditional Permanent Residency and Refugee Integration: Evidence from Germany’s 2016 Reform

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study is the first to examine the 2016 reform of Germany’s Residence Act that intended to foster refugee integration by extending the waiting period for permanent residency from 3 to 5 years and introducing requirements, such as proficiency in German and partial financial independence. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), we employ a difference-in-differences design to analyse employment and full-time employment trends among refugees. Results show that the reform did not accelerate take-up rates of either overall or full-time employment. However, administrative data from the German Central Register of Foreign Nationals reveals that after the reform, permanent residency acquisition rates significantly declined. The findings call into question the efficacy of conditional residency policies in fostering labour market integration.

Source: Journal of International Migration and Integration / Revue de l integration et de la migration internationale

DOI: 10.1007/s12134-026-01431-9

Author: Elena Matheny

Institution: European University Viadrina

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Refugees, and Integration

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190