Canada or Germany: Where is it Easier to Become a Citizen?

Last Updated On : August 21 , 2024

Canada and Germany are two well-liked locations for foreigners, each with its own benefits.

Canada is distinguished by its hospitable immigration laws, clear route to permanent residence (PR), and comparatively simple naturalisation procedure. Its point-based system provides a range of immigration alternatives and gives preference to competent workers.

Germany, on the other hand, is located in central Europe, has a strong economy, and top-notch healthcare. Although the process of obtaining a German visa can be more difficult, qualified professionals and students can benefit from it. In search of a fresh lifestyle or a change of pace, some expats are even thinking of immigrate to Canada from Germany.

Pros and Cons of living in Germany vs. Canada

The following table defines multiple factors in Canada and Germany, including climate, government healthcare services, taxes, etc, which will help you determine whether moving to Canada or Germany is better.

Attribute	Germany	Canada
Climate	Pros: Mild summers Cons: Cold, dark winters	Pros: Beautiful, diverse seasons Cons: Harsh winters in many regions
Isolation	Pros: Central European location, easy travel Cons: Can feel crowded	Pros: Vast, open spaces Cons: Can feel isolated, especially in rural areas
Healthcare	Pros: High-quality, affordable system Cons: Can be bureaucratic	Pros: Universal healthcare Cons: Long wait times for some procedures
Lifestyle	Pros: Work-life balance, ample vacation time Cons: Formal social culture	Pros: Multicultural, friendly society Cons: More car-dependent lifestyle
Economy	Pros: Strong job market, especially in tech Cons: High taxes	Pros: Growing economy, natural resources Cons: Living expenses in large cities are higher

Average Working Hours in Germany vs. Canada

Here is a table that compares the average working hours and related factors in Germany and Canada:

Attribute	Germany	Canada
General Average	35-37 hours/week	36-38 hours/week
IT Professionals	Similar to general average, often with flexible working arrangements	Similar to general average, with some industries demanding longer hours
Social Workers	Typically aligned with general average, with potential for overtime	Can vary depending on role and employer, with potential for overtime

Note: Please take note that these numbers are estimates and may change according to the industry, size of the organisation, and particular job responsibilities for both nations.

Average Living Cost : Canada Vs Germany

Depending on lifestyle, personal preferences, and region (city, province/state), living expenses might differ dramatically. Use the following as a starting point for your research as it offers a general overview.

Attribute	Canada (Approximate)	Germany (Approximate)
House Rent (1-bedroom apartment)	CAD $1,200 - $2,000 (major cities)	EUR 700 - 1,200 (major cities)
Groceries (Monthly)	CAD $400 - $600	EUR 300 - 450
Utilities (Monthly)	CAD $150 - $250	EUR 150 - 250

German immigration landscape Vs. Canada Immigration Process

As discussed above, you may better understand the costs of moving to Canada or Germany. If you want to learn about the immigration process for both countries, the following table provides details regarding immigration complexity, language requirements, processing fees, and processing times.

Attribute	Germany	Canada
Eligibility	Requires a university degree, job offer with a minimum salary (€56,400 annually).	Depends on your immigration program Check Express Entry Eligibility
Language Test Requirement	Goethe-Institut certificate (B1 level German)	English (IELTS/ CELPIP/ PTE) French (TEF/TCF)
Application Process	Primarily employer-driven. Applicant needs a job offer before applying for a work permit.	Applicant creates an Express Entry profile, receives invitations to apply (ITA) based on CRS score, and then submits a complete application.
Processing Time	Can vary, but generally takes several months.	Can range from several months to over a year, check Canada PR processing time.
Processing Fee	Varies based on specific visa type.	Currently CAD $1,525 for the primary applicant. Check the complete immigration cost here.

Additional Notes:

German language ability is required in Germany, while English or French is required in Canada.
Eligibility and processing dates may vary over time due to changes in immigration laws and economic situations.
Official government websites are the best source of current and accurate information.

Federal Office for Migration and Refugees - BAMF Vs Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - IRCC

With an emphasis on immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) in Germany and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) perform comparable tasks in their respective nations. This is a quick comparison of their immigration, citizenship, and organisational structures.

BAMF (Germany)

It was established in 2005 under the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
In charge of overseeing refugee integration, migration policy, and asylum applications.
Runs regional offices around Germany to manage requests for asylum and local immigration issues.

IRCC (Canada)

Renamed in 2015 from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), its previous name.
In charge of managing citizenship services, immigration procedures, refugee protection, and the advancement of multiculturalism.
Provides a range of immigration services globally through case processing centres and visa offices.

BAMF Vs IRCC Citizenship Program

BAMF

After living in Germany for a predetermined amount of time ( often eight years), foreign individuals who can demonstrate their integration and language skills can apply for German citizenship.

IRCC

After living in Canada for three of the previous five years and fulfilling certain language and knowledge criteria, immigrants are eligible to apply for citizenship.

F.A.Q.

1.What are the main differences between Canada and Germany for expats?

Canada is known for its welcoming immigration policies, straightforward path to permanent residency, and comparatively simple naturalisation process.
Germany, situated in central Europe, boasts a strong economy and excellent healthcare, obtaining a German visa can be more challenging than a Canada PR visa.

2.What are the key differences between the BAMF and IRCC?

Both BAMF (Germany) and IRCC (Canada) manage immigration, refugee protection, and citizenship, but differ in their organisational structures and roles.