House Committee Rejects AfD Motion
On March 18, 2026, the Committee on Internal Affairs voted on the AfD’s motion. All other political groups voted against the proposal.
Background: The Committee on Internal Affairs plays a key role in the parliamentary process. This is where motions and bills are reviewed, discussed, and evaluated. Ultimately, the committee issues a recommendation to the Bundestag on whether a motion or bill should be adopted.
This recommendation is politically very significant, as the Bundestag often follows its lead. The Interior Committee’s rejection of the AfD’s motion could therefore be a clear indication that the motion is also highly unlikely to secure a majority in the Bundestag.
What are the AfD's demands regarding Naturalization?
In its motion, the AfD calls for the requirements for Naturalization to be significantly tightened once again. Above all, it seeks to reverse key aspects of the 2024 reform.
Specifically, the AfD is concerned with the following points:
Longer length of stay:
The AfD is calling for a Naturalization should no longer be possible after five years, but only after eight years. For those seeking naturalization, the time required to obtain a German passport would thus be significantly extended.
Stricter language requirements:
Here, too, the AfD is calling for stricter standards. Currently, applicants for Naturalization must demonstrateGerman language proficiency at the B1 level. The AfD’s motion states that this level should be raised to B2. According to the motion, exemptions from the requirement to demonstrate language proficiency should also be largely eliminated.
Stricter rules on financial self-sufficiency :
Anyone wishing to obtain a German passport must prove that they can permanently and independently support themselves. Exceptions apply only in cases of proven illness. According to the AfD’s proposal, these exceptions should be significantly restricted. Applicants must, as a general rule, be able to support themselves, according to the AfD.
More loyalty tests:
In addition, the AfD called for stricter checks in the naturalization process. This would involve more rigorous scrutiny of whether applicants for naturalization are loyal to the German Constitution and the fundamental values of society.
Stricter requirements for refugees:
Another demand concerns people living in Germany as refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. According to the AfD’s plans, the time spent in asylum proceedings or holding protection status would no longer Naturalization toward Naturalization .
In addition, the AfD calls for individuals who have entered Germany illegally to be Naturalization from Naturalization under all circumstances.
Does that mean the application has failed?
No—even though the motion was rejected by the Committee on Internal Affairs, the procedure has not yet been formally concluded. In principle, the motion can still be debated in the plenary session of the Bundestag.
However, the Committee on Internal Affairs has recommended rejecting the motion. In practice, the Bundestag often follows this recommendation. Since all other parliamentary groups already voted against the motion in committee, it is considered highly unlikely that it will still secure a majority in the Bundestag.
What happens now?
For people who wish to become naturalized citizens, nothing is changing at this time. The existing rules remain in effect.
It is also important to note that even if the AfD’s motion were to be adopted by the Bundestag, it would not have an immediate effect. The motion is merely a call on the federal government to draft a new law that would Naturalization tighten the rules for Naturalization . However, this law would also require a majority vote in the Bundestag.
Naturalization Germany is therefore still possible under the current rules:
- At least 5 years of lawful residence with a Residence permit Naturalization for Naturalization
- a stable and self-sufficient livelihood
- German language skills at B1 level
- Commitment to the free and democratic basic order
- no criminal offenses
- Successful completion of an integration test (or a German high school diploma or vocational training certificate)
- established identity
