Naturalization: AfD criticizes reform of 2024
The starting point for these demands is the reform of nationality law, which came into force in June 2024. One of the most important changes at that time was the reduction in the minimum period of residence: instead of eight years as was previously the case, foreigners now generally only have to live legally in Germany for five years before they can apply for citizenship.
In addition, dual citizenship was made possible and some requirements—such as those relating to income or language skills —were relaxed in certain cases.
Naturalization was also introduced in 2024. It enabled applicants to obtain a German passport after three years of legal residence if they could demonstrate particularly good integration and German language skills at C1 level. However, this regulation was later abolished and has not been possible since the end of October 2025.
AfD calls for stricter rules for German passports
The AfD is now calling for several changes from the 2024 reform to be reversed. According to the party's proposal, the minimum period of residence for Naturalization should be eight years Naturalization .
In addition, language proficiency requirements are set to increase. While German language skills at level B1 are currently sufficient, the AfD is calling for the higher level B2 to be required in future.
Stricter rules are also to apply to living expenses, according to the AfD motion. Applicants should generally be able to cover their own living expenses. Exceptions should only be possible in a few cases.
In addition, the parliamentary group is calling for stricter checks in the naturalization process. This would involve more rigorous checks to ensure that individuals are loyal to the German constitution and the fundamental values of society.
No crediting of asylum periods for Naturalization
Another demand concerns people living in Germany as refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. According to the AfD's proposals, the time people spend in Germany during asylum proceedings or with protection status should no longer Naturalization toward Naturalization in the future.
This would significantly extend the period of time until Naturalization many migrants. In addition, the AfD proposes that persons who have entered Germany illegally should not be allowed to become naturalized.
Young Union called for similar measures
Just a few weeks ago, the Junge Union (JU), the youth organization of the CDU, had made similar proposals. In a motion to the CDU leadership, the JU Naturalization , among other things, a return to a minimum residence period of eight years before Naturalization
In addition, the Junge Union called for stricter requirements for obtaining a German passport. These included a higher level of language proficiency, stricter requirements for securing a livelihood, and a more intensive examination of whether applicants understand and recognize the free democratic basic order.
What happens now?
The proposal is currently being discussed by the Committee on Internal Affairs. The document is a draft. This means that certain details may still change.
It is also important to note that these proposals are merely a motion. With this motion, the AfD wants to call on the federal government to present a draft bill that would reverse a large part of the 2024 reform of nationality law. If the motion receives a majority in the Bundestag, the federal government would be obliged to draft a bill.
It is considered unlikely that the motion will receive majority support. The SPD, which currently forms the federal government together with the CDU/CSU, helped shape the 2024 reform of nationality law. It is therefore unlikely that it would agree to further tightening of the law.
Alliance 90/The Greens and The Left Party also reject stricter rules in nationality law. Although individual proposals from the motion may meet with approval in parts of the CDU/CSU, the parliamentary groups in the Bundestag have repeatedly made it clear in the past that they do not want to cooperate with the AfD.
Against this backdrop, the chances of the motion gaining a majority are likely to be slim. Like many opposition motions, the proposal will probably be debated in Parliament but rejected by the other parliamentary groups.
