Turbo Naturalization: Federal Council votes for abolition
A key issue was the planned abolition of Naturalization after just three years in the case of exceptional integration performance. This so-called Naturalization naturalization was only introduced in 2024 as part of the citizenship reform.
Several committees had recommended in advance that Naturalization should not be abolished. Their arguments:
- Germany is dependent on immigration - especially on people who are actively involved in work and society.
- Naturalization after three years is an important instrument for promoting integration and recruiting qualified specialists.
- The abolition of Naturalization removes an incentive for integration - especially among meritocratic and well-integrated migrants.
Despite these concerns, the majority of the Federal Council voted in favour of abolishing Naturalization. The reasons for the decision were not discussed publicly.
What happens next?
After the summer break (i.e. from 8 September at the earliest), the Bundestag will discuss the law again and then decide on it. Until then, Naturalization will remain possible.
Family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection is suspended
At the end of June 2025, the Bundestag had already decided to temporarily suspend family reunification for persons entitled to subsidiary protection. The Bundesrat has now confirmed this decision in principle.
The law stipulates that visas for family reunification for children, spouses or parents of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection will only be issued in rare cases of hardship.
Family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection had already been limited since 2018: only around 12,000 people received a visa for Germany each year. Family reunification for this group has now been suspended for two years (probably until July 2027).
Other topics on the agenda: These proposals were discussed
In addition to the two topics mentioned above, three further proposals were submitted to the Federal Council.
Important: These are not (yet) passed laws or draft laws, but merely recommendations to the Bundestag.
Naturalization without proof of identity:
Another proposal aims to naturalize children born in Germany to foreign parents even if their identity or citizenship cannot be fully proven.
According to the current legal situation(§ 8 and § 10 StAG), proof of identity is a central requirement for Naturalization.
The proposal now under discussion provides for this hurdle to be overcome in cases of particular hardship - for example, if a person:
- was born and raised in Germany
- is of legal age
- cannot produce identity documents despite their own cooperation because the country of origin does not issue them or does not recognize them
Background: In some countries of origin, no identity documents are issued for children born abroad. In other cases , traveling to the country of origin to obtain the relevant documents involves considerable risks for those affected.
Without valid proof of identity, they have so far been denied access to Naturalization .
However, the Federal Council rejected the proposal.
Naturalization despite citizen's income?
Another proposal wanted to make it possible for people to be naturalized despite receiving social benefits (citizen's allowance, ALG II), provided that the receipt of benefits is not self-inflicted.
The recommendation to the Federal Council emphasizes that the regulation could relieve the burden on vulnerable groups in particular, such as students, the chronically ill, family carers, single parents and pensioners.
For objective reasons, these people cannot or can only partially support themselves. Nevertheless, they should not be denied naturalization.
The Federal Council rejected the proposal.
This means that the previous regulation remains in place: only those who can secure their livelihood independently may be naturalized.
Enabling digital Naturalization throughout Germany
However, the Federal Council approved a proposal to digitalize the naturalization process.
The aim is to create clear legal requirements for the application process - particularly with regard to forms and the use of digital services.
If the law comes into force, there could be the following changes to the application for Naturalization :
- Mandatory use of official application forms:
If an authority provides a form, this must be used in future. Informal applications are no longer valid. - Digitalization: "Digital by default"
If there is an online application procedure, this should always be used. Exceptions only apply to people who cannot reasonably be expected to submit their application digitally. - Obligations also apply to authorized representatives:
Lawyers or other authorized representatives must also use the digital application if this is possible. - Eligibility to apply from the age of 16:
Young people aged 16 and over may submit applications independently, provided they are eligible to do so.
Although the Bundesrat spoke out in favor of the proposal, approval by the Bundestag is required before the law can come into force.
