Germany has officially clarified that foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in any elections at the federal, state, or local level, with a narrow exception for citizens of other European Union member states in local elections only. The policy is clearly stated on the German government's official website, leaving no ambiguity for non-citizens residing in or visiting the country.
Comprehensive Ban on Foreign Electoral Participation
According to the German government's website, all foreign nationals, regardless of their residency status or length of stay, are barred from voting or standing as candidates in any election within Germany. This includes federal elections for the Bundestag, state-level elections (Landtag), and local elections such as county (Kreis) and municipal (Gemeinde) contests. Referendums at these levels are also off-limits to non-German citizens.
The government states plainly: “Foreign nationals do not have the right to vote or stand as a candidate in federal or state elections or to vote in referendums at federal or state level.” This restriction applies to all non-German nationals, including long-term residents with permanent residency, temporary workers, students, and tourists. No exceptions are made based on duration of stay or integration into German society.
The Sole Exception: EU Citizens in Local Elections
Germany does carve out one exception, rooted in its constitutional framework. Citizens of other European Union member states are permitted to vote and stand as candidates in local elections—specifically at the county and municipal levels. This right is derived from Article 28(1) sentence 3 of the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz), which extends electoral rights to EU citizens for local governance.
The official government language reads: “Citizens of EU countries may vote and stand for election at local level: Article 28 (1) sentence 3 of the Basic Law states that people who are citizens of any member state of the European Union are eligible to vote and to be elected in county and municipal elections.” This provision reflects a broader principle of shared civic rights within the European Union, allowing EU nationals living in Germany to participate in decisions directly affecting their immediate communities.
However, this exception is strictly limited to local elections. EU citizens still cannot vote in state or federal elections or referendums. For non-EU nationals—including those from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and non-EU European countries—the ban is total, regardless of how long they have lived in Germany.
Implications for Foreign Residents
Germany is home to millions of foreign nationals, many of whom have lived and worked in the country for years. According to official statistics, over 13 million people in Germany (around 16% of the population) are foreign nationals. Despite this significant portion of the population, they are excluded from electoral processes that shape national and regional policies. The only avenue for political participation available to non-EU citizens is through non-electoral means such as advisory councils or civic groups, though these carry no formal voting power.
UK Warns Foreigners on Visitor Visas
In a related development, the United Kingdom government has issued a reminder that foreigners entering the country on a visitor visa are not permitted to work during their stay. The UK's official guidance states that visitors may only engage in work-related activities if those activities are expressly permitted under the Permitted Activities list in Appendix Visitor. Anyone intending to work in the UK must obtain the appropriate work visa before traveling. This serves as another example of European nations tightening rules around foreign nationals' rights and obligations.
Full details of Germany's electoral regulations for foreign nationals are available on the official German government website. The policy underscores Germany’s commitment to reserving full political rights for its own citizens, while upholding EU treaty obligations for local-level participation.
