Naturalization After ten years and no dual citizenship
In the motion the party introduced in the Bundestag last week, the AfD calls for stricter rules regarding residency and citizenship laws. Among other things, the party wants to tighten the requirements for naturalization ( Naturalization ). Under the proposal, applicants would be eligible for German citizenship no sooner than after ten years of residence. Currently, naturalization ( Naturalization ) is possible after five years.
In addition, the AfD wants to abolish naturalization by entitlement (Section 10 of the German Nationality Act [StAG]). This would mean that even if someone meets all the requirements, they would no longer have an entitlement to Naturalization . Instead, the authorities would decide on Naturalization at their discretion.
Furthermore, periods spent in the asylum process or under temporary protection should no longer count toward the required length of stay for the “ Naturalization .”
According to the motion, the party also wants to reimpose restrictions on dual citizenship. Since June 2024, it has been possible in Germany to retain one’s original citizenship upon acquiring German citizenship ( Naturalization ). The AfD wants to repeal this provision.
The party justifies this demand by pointing to the high number of naturalizations in recent years. From the party’s perspective, therequirements for the “ Naturalization ” aretoo lenient. It also criticizes the fact that, while the federal government has abolished the “Turbo-Naturalization ” after three years, the other simplifications introduced by the 2024 reform remain in effect.
Call: Revoke the protected status of Syrians
Another demand in the AfD’s motion concerns Syrian nationals in Germany. The AfD is calling for the protection status of Syrians to be revoked if the original grounds for protection no longer exist.
The party argues that the security situation in Syria has improved since the end of the Assad regime. For this reason, it says, the grounds for protection no longer apply to many Syrians in Germany.
In addition, the AfD is calling for a suspension of naturalizations, residence permits, and family reunification for Syrians granted protection if their protection status were to be revoked due to the changed situation in Syria.
AfD Calls for Stricter Rules on Family Reunification
The AfD is also calling for stricter rules regarding family reunification. The party wants to permanently abolish family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, which is currently suspended. Exceptions should remain possible only in cases of exceptional hardship.
In addition, the AfD is calling for a six-month moratorium on accepting applications for family reunification for recognized refugees and other individuals entitled to protection. During this time, the federal government should advocate at the EU level for stricter requirements for family reunification.
The AfD justifies this demand by arguing that family reunification brings more people to Germany who may need social benefits.
Proposal: Abolish certain rights to remain
In addition, the AfD calls in its motion for the abolition of the training permit (Section 60c of the Residence Act) and the employment permit (Section 60d of the Residence Act). According to the AfD, the right of residence for well-integrated adolescents and young adults (Section 25a of the Residence Act) and the right of residence in cases of sustainable integration (Section 25b of the Residence Act) should also be repealed.
The party criticizes the fact that rejected asylum seekers can, under certain conditions, obtain the right to reside through work, education, or integration. It views this as an incentive for illegal migration.
What does the proposal mean for migrants in Germany?
According to its own statement, the AfD hopes this motion will bring about a shift in German immigration policy. The party’s goal is to ensure that, in the future, more people from non-EU countries leave Germany than enter it.
So far, the motion consists only of the party’s policy demands; it is not yet law. The Bundestag debated the motion for the first time on October 9, 2026. However, the measures were not adopted.
In order for these demands to be implemented, numerous laws would have to be amended. Furthermore, it is not certain whether all of the demands would be compatible with the German Basic Law or EU law.
For people who wish to become naturalized in Germany, who have been granted protected status, or who want to bring their family to Germany, the application will not change anything for the time being. The current legal regulations will continue to apply.
Nevertheless, it may be a good idea to secure coverage for your stay early on. Anyone who meets the requirements should check whether a Naturalization or Settlement permit is an option. People with protected status can also seek advice on whether a change to another Residence permit is possible. Good German language skills, a steady job, and a secure livelihood help in obtaining a long-term right of residence.
