The end of "turboNaturalization"
Since the amendment to the law came into force on October 30, 2025, the possibility of becoming a naturalized citizen after only three years of legal residence is no longer enshrined in law.
The regulation, which was introduced in 2024, allowed foreigners with a C1 language certificate and special integration achievements (e.g., volunteer work, outstanding professional achievements) to obtain a passport quickly. This option has been abolished without replacement. The new policy line once again focuses more strongly on the length of stay as an indicator of stable integration.
Why was the law changed?
The reversal of the reduction is a direct consequence of the change in government. The legislature's reasoning is that integration takes time. Language skills alone are not sufficient to demonstrate social integration in just 36 months. The aim is to place greater emphasis on the "value" of German citizenship.
What will happen to pending applications? (Keyword: protection of legitimate expectations)
This is the most critical point for many of our clients. If you submitted your application based on the 3-year rule (between 2024 and 2025), you now face a legal hurdle.
- Application not yet decided: Many immigration authorities have "put on hold" applications that were explicitly based on the 3-year clause or are now rejecting them because the legal basis is lacking at the time of the decision.
- Transitional provisions: Whether and how transitional provisions apply to old cases is often decided on a case-by-case basis or is the subject of current administrative court proceedings. There is considerable legal uncertainty in this area.
- Expert advice from Migrando: If your application was submitted on a 3-year basis and is now at risk of being rejected, you must act immediately. It is often possible to reinterpret the application or, if necessary, save it by counting previous periods toward the 5-year period.
FAQ - Questions and answers about Naturalization after 3 years
An old rule still applies: if you have a German spouse, you can apply Naturalization after 3 years.
Special integration achievements can be voluntary work and particularly strong performance at work, as well as special achievements in the school sector.
Naturalization be applied for after 5 years. If you are married to a German citizen, Naturalization is possible Naturalization 3 years.
