Background: New blocking period since December 2025
The new law, which came into force on December 24, 2025, introduced a waiting period into the Nationality Act for the first time. This rule is set out in Section 35a of the StAG.
Accordingly, a person may be Naturalization from Naturalization for ten years if they deceive or provide false or incomplete information during the naturalization process. The bar may apply, for example, if:
- one Naturalization was revoked due to fraud, or
- the authority determines during the proceedings that someone is attempting Naturalization obtain Naturalization through deception, threats, or bribery.
Incorrect or incomplete information on important requirements—such as identity, criminal offenses, or residence permits —can also lead to such a ban.
Law amended – What will change?
Just a few weeks after it came into force, the law has now been amended. An important word has been added to Section 35a (1) No. 2 of the StAG.
Instead of the previous wording:
Naturalization... incorrect or incomplete information regarding essential requirements fornaturalization Naturalization
it now says:
"...deliberatelyprovidingincorrect or incomplete information regarding essential requirements fornaturalization Naturalization
The legislature thus makes it clear that the ten-year waiting period only applies if false information was provided knowingly and intentionally. Anyone who provides false or incomplete information accidentally or out of ignorance should not be Naturalization from Naturalization .
The correction was published in the Federal Law Gazette on February 27, 2026, and applies retroactively from December 24, 2025.
What does this mean for naturalization applicants?
This is a small but very important change for applicants. The new wording makes a clearer distinction between deliberate deception and accidental errors.
The ten-year ban only applies if authorities can prove that someone knowingly and intentionally provided false or incomplete information in order Naturalization .
Conclusion
Important: The new restriction period in the Nationality Act remains in place. Anyone who deliberately deceives, bribes, or intentionally conceals important information during the naturalization process may still be Naturalization from Naturalization for ten years.
However, the subsequent correction makes it clear that not every error will result in a suspension. The decisive factor is whether the incorrect information was provided intentionally or accidentally. This is to prevent people from being disadvantaged due to unintentional errors in their application.
