It had already become clear last week that the AfD’s motion would not secure a majority. Following its rejection by the Committee on Internal Affairs, the decision has now been made in the plenary session as well. But what exactly was the AfD calling for—and what does the Bundestag’s decision mean for those seeking naturalization?
The Bundestag votes against the AfD motion
In a roll-call vote, 438 members of parliament voted against the AfD’s motion. 134 members of parliament and one independent member voted in favor.
The decision was based on a recommendation by the Committee on Internal Affairs. The committee had previously reviewed the substance of the motion and recommended that it not be adopted. Such recommendations carry significant weight in the parliamentary process, as they reflect the views of the relevant policymakers.
With the vote in the Bundestag, the process has been concluded. The motion is considered to have failed politically and will not be pursued further.
What the AfD had specifically demanded
In its motion, the AfD had called for a “comprehensive reform of citizenship law.” The main aim was to reverse the changes made by the 2024 reform.
A key point of the AfD’s motion was the length of residence: While five years of lawful residence are currently Naturalization for Naturalization , the AfD wanted to increase the period back to eight years. For many people, this would have significantly lengthened the path to obtaining a German passport.
The proposal also called for stricter rules regarding language proficiency. Instead of the currently required B1 level, applicants would in the future be required to demonstrate German language proficiency at the B2 level. Exemptions from this requirement would largely be eliminated
In addition, the AfD wanted to tighten the requirements regarding the ability to support oneself. Under these rules, applicants would be required to prove that they can independently support themselves in the long term. This rule is already in effect today. However, according to the AfD, potential exceptions —such as those based on proven physical or mental health conditions—should be severely restricted.
In addition, the proposal called for stricter screening in the naturalization process. In particular, there were to be more rigorous checks to ensure that applicants understand and accept the free democratic basic order.
Another proposal concerned individuals with refugee or protection status: according to the AfD, time spent in the asylum process or under recognized protection should no longer Naturalization toward Naturalization in the future.
In addition, the AfD called for people who have entered Germany illegally to be Naturalization from Naturalization as a matter of principle.
Several parties opposed the motion
During the debate in the Bundestag, several political parties defended the existing Naturalization regulations.
Representatives from the CDU/CSU and SPD emphasized that the current five-year period is the result of a political compromise that takes various interests into account. They view it as a balanced solution that strikes a balance between integration and the requirements for obtaining citizenship.
Alliance 90/The Greens and The Left also spoke out against tightening naturalization rules. They pointed out that Germany is a country of immigration and that Naturalization plays Naturalization important role in social participation.
The AfD, on the other hand, argued that stricter rules were necessary to safeguard the value of German citizenship.
Conclusion: What the decision means for those seeking naturalization
The Bundestag’s decision thus brings one thing above all else: legal certainty. The requirements for Naturalization introduced in recent years Naturalization in place —a return to the eight-year residency requirement is not expected for the time being.
This means that the following still applies: Naturalization possible after five years of lawful residence. The language proficiency requirements also remain unchanged—German at the B1 level.
As far as livelihood is concerned, the general rule remains that it must be self-sufficient and secure in the long term (without reliance on social benefits). However, exceptions are possible in certain cases.
In addition, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to the free democratic basic order, verify their identity, provide proof of a clean criminal record, and pass the naturalization test (or present a German school or vocational qualification).
