The end of Naturalization naturalization: what's it all about?
The reform of citizenship law in June 2024 made Naturalization much easier: instead of eight years, only five years of legal residence in Germany are now required.
Dual citizenship has also been possible since then. This means that applicants for a German passport no longer have to give up their original citizenship.
In addition, the then coalition government (SPD, FDP and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) introduced Naturalization naturalization. This allows certain applicants to apply for German citizenship after just three years of residence - provided they meet particularly high requirements:
- At least three years of legal residence in Germany
- German language skills at C1 level
- special integration achievements, for example voluntary work or special successes in education and employment
- In addition, all requirements for Naturalization, such as no criminal record, integration test, sustainable livelihood without social benefits, etc., must be met.
The regulation was intended as a reward for rapid integration and as a signal to qualified skilled workers that Germany recognizes their contribution.
Naturalization to end after three years
It is precisely this regulation that is now to be abolished. The new federal government, made up of the CDU/CSU and SPD, is critical of Naturalization . It argues that three years is too short to ensure sustainable integration. Acquiring citizenship should be at the end of an integration process, not in the middle of it.
The draft law states that a "sufficiently long period of prior residence" is a key requirement for Naturalization. Identification with the community and internalization of the system of values can only develop over a period of years. For this reason, Naturalization should in future once again require a uniform period of residence of at least five years.
The distance requirement - why it matters
Another key point in the explanatory memorandum is the so-called "distance requirement". This means that a distinction must be made between a permanent right of residence (such as the Settlement permit) and nationality must be clearly distinct.
Specifically:
- A Settlement permit in accordance with Section 9 of the Residence Act is generally only granted after five years of residence and is subject to stricter requirements, such as 60 months of pension contributions.
- Naturalization naturalization, on the other hand, leads to full German citizenship after just three years - despite the fact that the requirements are sometimes less stringent than under residence law.
From the point of view of the Federal Government, this is a breach of the system: it would have been possible to become German before fulfilling the requirements for a permanent right of residence.
This is precisely what the government wants to correct by removing the three-year rule and thus placing Naturalization clearly "above" the Settlement permit again.
What does the draft law provide for?
- § Section 10 (3) StAG is deleted - the 3-year option is removed
- In future, the following will apply uniformly: at least 5 years of legal residence for eligibility for naturalization
- There should be no further shortening options
- dual citizenship remains in place
A transitional regulation for current applications is currently not planned, even after the deliberations in the Committee on Internal Affairs. This could mean that Anyone who has not yet received a decision by then would have to wait the full five years in case of doubt.
What do the parties think about the reform?
CDU/CSU and SPD: In favor of the deletion. Five years' residence is a fair but necessary period for integration.
AfD: The reform does not go far enough for the AfD parliamentary group. It also describes the five-year deadline as "Naturalization" and calls for a return to eight years or more.
Greens: Reject the abolition. They argue that the three-year rule rewards well-integrated people and at the same time helps with the shortage of skilled workers.
Left: also against. The party had also requested that naturalization be made possible regardless of income in order to make it easier for people with disabilities, chronic illnesses or older people to obtain a German passport. This motion was rejected in the Committee on Internal Affairs and is unlikely to find a majority in the Bundestag either.
In the Committee on Internal Affairs, the CDU/CSU, SPD and AfD voted together for the abolition of Naturalization, while the Greens and the Left voted against it.
What does this mean for applicants?
The current legal situation applies until the law comes into force: anyone who meets the strict requirements can still submit an application after three years. However, as soon as the new law is passed and promulgated, this option will no longer apply.
The problem is that the draft law does not contain any transitional provisions. This means that current applications that have not yet been decided by then could be assessed under the new law - and would then have to meet the five-year requirement.
This creates legal uncertainty for those affected. Although there is a principle of legitimate expectations in administrative law, it is unlikely that courts will recognize this in such cases. Anyone currently planning to submit an application after three years should therefore do so as soon as possible and seek legal advice if in doubt.
When will the new law come into force?
The Bundestag will discuss the draft in second and third readings on October 8, 2025 (as of September 29). In view of the majority, it is highly likely that the bill will be adopted - with the votes of the CDU/CSU, SPD and AfD.
The law is to enter into force on the day after its promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette. An exact date therefore depends on when it is published following the decision. This can take several days or even weeks.
Conclusion
Naturalization naturalization was a key project of the traffic light government, but after just one year it is about to come to an end. For well-integrated migrants, this means a step backwards: the path to a German passport will take at least five years again in future.
The final decision will be made (according to the current status) on October 8 in the Bundestag.
