Modernization of nationality law: changes from 26 June 2024
On 19 January 2024, the Bundestag passed the "Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law (StARModG)". The law was published in the Federal Law Gazette on March 26, 2024 and will now enter into force on June 26, 2024. With this law, extensive changes to the German Nationality Act (StAG) come into force, which in particular bring simplifications to Naturalization and adjustments to the loss of German nationality.
Shorter stay times make it easier Naturalization
One of the most important changes concerns the minimum period of residence for Naturalization. Previously, people generally had to have lived in Germany for at least eight years in order to be able to apply for German citizenship. With the amendment to the law, this period is now reduced to five years (Section 10 (1) sentence 1 StAG).
In addition, the law opens up the possibility of reducing the residence period to up to three years in the case of special integration services (Section 10 (3) StAG). These benefits include, for example
- particularly good academic, vocational or professional achievements
- Civic engagement
- Fulfillment of the requirements of a language test at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Faster Naturalization
The modernization provides opportunities for faster Naturalization . This serves as a further incentive for rapid integration and makes it possible to meet the requirements of Naturalization earlier.
Adjustments to the naturalization requirements
In addition to the shortened period of residence, the law reform brings further changes to the naturalization requirements:
- Applicants for naturalization must acknowledge Germany's special historical responsibility, in particular for the protection of Jewish life (Section 10 (1) sentence 1 no. 1a StAG).
- In certain cases, there are relaxations to the language requirements (Section 10 (4, 4a, 6) StAG). For example, it is sufficient for former guest workers to be able to communicate orally in German without any significant problems in everyday life.
- The obstacle to naturalization of claiming social benefits does not apply in certain cases, for example in the case of guest workers who have lived in Germany for many years or persons who are in full-time employment (Section 10 (1) sentence 1 no. 3 StAG).
New regulations on the loss of German citizenship
The reformed law also adapts the regulations on the loss of German citizenship. Reasons for loss are therefore (Section 17 (1) StAG):
- Waiver
- Joining foreign armed forces or combat participation in a terrorist organization abroad
- Withdrawal of an unlawful administrative act
In addition, children may lose their German citizenship retroactively if the requirements for acquiring German citizenship are no longer met (Section 17 (2) StAG).
Before and after comparison
Conclusion
With the "Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law", comprehensive changes to citizenship law will take effect from 26 June 2024. In particular, the reduction of the minimum residence period to five years and the possibility of a further reduction to up to three years in the case of special integration achievements will make it easier to Naturalization. At the same time, there will be adjustments to the naturalization requirements and the loss of German citizenship.
The reform will help to promote the integration of foreigners in Germany and adapt citizenship law to social realities. For many people who live and work in Germany permanently, the new regulations will make it easier for them to obtain German citizenship.
Naturalization after 3 years with a new law?
FAQ - Questions and answers on the new Naturalization Act
The new regulations come into force on June 26, 2024, after the law was published in the Federal Law Gazette on March 26, 2024.
From June 26, 2024, the minimum residence period for a Naturalization is generally 5 years. It can even be shortened to up to 3 years in the case of special integration achievements.
Special integration achievements include, for example, particularly good academic, vocational or professional achievements, civic engagement and meeting the requirements of a language test at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
