However, this special regulation is now on the verge of being abolished. On October 8, 2025, the Bundestag will decide on a law that abolishes the three-year rule. The general time limit of five years will remain in place.
This raises the question: How unusual is Naturalization in an international comparison? What naturalization periods apply in other Europeancountries and worldwide - and is it possible to obtain citizenship elsewhere after just three years?
Germany: Naturalization after eight, five or three years?
Looking back: Until mid-2024, a clear rule applied in Germany: anyone who had lived in the country legally for eight years could apply for Naturalization . With a successfully completed integration course, a reduction to seven years was possible.
The basic idea was that citizenship would only be granted after a long process and sustained integration. This made Germany one of the countries with relatively long waiting times internationally.
The 2024 citizenship reform significantly shortened the deadline: Since then, five years have been sufficient for Naturalization if certain conditions such as language skills, a secure livelihood and a commitment to the free democratic basic order are met.
Since the reform, migrants who can demonstrate exceptional integration achievements - for example, particularly good German language skills (C1 level), academic or professional success or strong volunteer work - can be naturalized after just three years.
Naturalization naturalization in Germany on the brink of extinction
In politics, the media and society, this model was quickly nicknamed Naturalization. Supporters saw it as a signal for an open society that would enable migrants to fully participate more quickly. Critics, on the other hand, warned that a three-year stay was too short to demonstrate a genuine bond with Germany. They warned against quick decisions and abuse.
With the change of government in May 2025 - the CDU/CSU and SPD have since formed the new federal government - it became clear that Naturalization is to be abolished again again. A corresponding bill was introduced to the Bundestag in June. It states: in future, Naturalization should be possible after a standard period of five years. Turbo Naturalization after three years will be abolished.
The law will be finally discussed and passed by the Bundestag on October 8, 2025. It will enter into force as soon as it has been published in the Federal Law Gazette.
Europe in comparison: between five and ten years for Naturalization
A look at other European countries shows how differently the deadlines for Naturalization are regulated. While some countries work with five years, similar to Germany, others rely on significantly longer periods.
France is often seen as a reference for a more open model. There, foreigners can apply for naturalization after five years of residence. Under certain conditions - such as successful studies or proven integration achievements -a reduction to two years is possible.
Belgium has a two-stage model. There, Naturalization is possible after five years of residence via a declaration - provided that language skills and social integration are proven. Other routes, such as classic Naturalization, require longer periods of residence of up to ten years.
Netherlands: The general five-year rule also applies here. There is a special procedure for spouses of Dutch nationals living abroad. For them, Naturalization can take place after just three years of marriage and cohabitation.
The United Kingdom also allows Naturalization after five years of residence if the applicant has lived in the country for at least one year with "Indefinite Leave to Remain" (permanent residence status). Spouses of British nationals can be naturalized after just three years.
Spain follows a much stricter model. In principle, a residence period of ten years applies. There are exceptions for certain groups: For recognized refugees, Naturalization is possible after five years. For people from certain countries of origin, primarily from Latin America, but also from Portugal, the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea, a stay of two years is sufficient. For spouses of Spaniards, Naturalization is possible after just one year.
Italy provides for Naturalization for non-EU citizens after ten years of residence. EU citizens can apply after just four years.
Greece provides for seven years of residence, but offers a reduction to three years if someone is married to a Greek citizen and/or is the parent of a minor Greek citizen.
Poland has a relatively short residence period: anyone who has lived in the country for at least three years without interruption with a Settlement permit and can also provide proof of income and housing can apply for citizenship. In addition to this route, there are other special regulations, such as for spouses of Polish citizens or for recognized refugees.
Denmark is one of the countries with particularly long periods of residence, at nine years. There are exceptions, such as six to eight years for marriages with Danes.
Finland tightened its rules in 2024: since then, the deadline has been eight years. A reduction to five years is possible under certain conditions.
Switzerland is traditionally restrictive. As a rule, Naturalization requires ten years of residence, supplemented by cantonal conditions such as language skills or communal integration.
Naturalization after three years a special path in most cases
In summary, it can be said that there is (almost) no general three-year rule like in Germany. Where three years are provided for, these are special regulations - for example for spouses, recognized refugees or parents of underage citizens.
- Germany: Three years of special integration (Naturalization)
- Ireland: Three years for spouses of Irish citizens or for recognized refugees.
- Netherlands: Three years for spouses of Dutch nationals living abroad.
- Greece: Three years for spouses with underage children or parents of underage Greek children.
- Poland: Three years of uninterrupted settlement with a permanent residence permit.
Germany is therefore an exception with the Naturalization introduced in 2024, because the rule was or is currently still open to everyone, not just certain groups.
Outside Europe: Three to five years until Naturalization
A look beyond Europe is also revealing. Many traditional immigration countries rely on moderate time limits of three to five years, often with special regulations for spouses.
In the USA, the deadline for Naturalization is five years as a permanent resident. If you are married to a US citizen, you can apply after just three years - provided that your marriage and residence status are stable.
Canada has one of the shortest periods of three years. Anyone who has lived in the country for at least 1,095 days in the last five years can apply for Canadian citizenship. Periods of temporary residence - for example as a student or employee - can be partially taken into account.
Australia: Here, Naturalization is possible after four years of legal residence, at least one year of which must be with permanent resident status.
New Zealand: Five years of residence are required, supplemented by a minimum stay and the intention to remain in the country.
Conclusion
An international comparison shows: Naturalization practices vary greatly, but follow certain patterns. Countries with traditionally high levels of immigration, such as Canada or the USA, offer comparatively short deadlines, while southern European countries such as Spain or Italy usually require eight or even ten years for Naturalization .
There is also a trend towards longer deadlines in Northern Europe, as the latest debates in Sweden and the reform in Finland show. With a deadline of five years for Naturalization , Germany ranks in the middle of the European field.
