What the AfD is demanding from the " Naturalization "
Important: The AfD’s motion is merely a political proposal. It is not a bill, nor is it a law that has been passed. Therefore, the current rules and requirements for the Naturalization remain in effect.
In total, the AfD's motion contains six demands:
- Naturalization: The AfD is calling for the law to be amended so that refugees and people with temporary protection can no longer be naturalized.
- Length of stay: In the future, periods spent under temporary protection (or a comparable protection status) will no longer be counted toward the required length of stay for the " Naturalization " program.
- Revising Procedures for Ongoing Cases: Transitional provisions and waiting periods should be established for naturalization proceedings that are already underway.
- Stop the naturalization process: Until the new rules take effect, naturalization applications from people who currently have or previously had protected status should not be processed further.
- Regular Reporting: The federal government should report regularly on how the measures are being implemented and what their effects are.
- Promoting Return: In addition, the AfD calls for more support to facilitate return and a fresh start in the country of origin —for example, through financial assistance or vocational training.
Of the changes called for by the AfD, the following groups of people would be most affected:
- People granted temporary protection under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), particularly refugees from Ukraine
- recognized refugees pursuant to Section 25(2), sentence 1, alternative 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG)
- Persons entitled to subsidiary protection under Section 25(2), sentence 1, alternative 2 of the Residence Act
- Persons Entitled to Asylum Under Section 25(1) of the Residence Act
The halt to naturalization proceedings demanded by the AfD is also intended to apply to individuals who previously held protected status and have since changed to a different Residence permit .
Naturalization Refugee Protection – What Are the Current Rules?
Currently, the following applies: It is generally possible to obtain citizenship through naturalization ( Naturalization ) while holding protected status. Recognized refugees, persons granted subsidiary protection, and those entitled to asylum may be naturalized based on their residence permit. However, to do so, they must also meet all other legal requirements for naturalization ( Naturalization ).
However, with a residence permit issued under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), a change to a residence permit for a specific purpose ( Naturalization ) is not possible. To do so, the individuals concerned must first switch to a suitable residence permit for a specific purpose ( Residence permit ), such as a residence permit for skilled workers (Residence permit ).
Important: The time spent with a “ Residence permit ” (long-term residence permit) under Section 24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) can be counted toward the required period of residence for the “ Naturalization ” (permanent residence permit). This means that after switching to a different “ Residence permit ” (long-term residence permit), you do not have to wait another five years before you can apply for the “ Naturalization ” (permanent residence permit).
What does the AfD's motion mean for refugees?
For refugees, the AfD's motion does not change anything for the time being. The authorities must continue to make decisions in accordance with current law.
On Friday (November 13, 2026), the Bundestag will debate the AfD’s motion for the first time. It will then be referred to the committees for further deliberation.
Even if a majority in the Bundestag approves the AfD’s motion, the current rules will remain in effect. The federal government would merely be required to submit a proposal for a legislative amendment. Only once that proposal becomes law and takes effect will the rules for Naturalization change. It is considered rather unlikely that there will be a majority in favor of this.
