Germany is a popular country for inward migration. However, due to the strict and complex requirements of German citizenship law, the number of naturalizations has been relatively low throughout recent years. This may change soon, since this year, a new bill has been proposed by the German Ministry of the Interior that is geared towards making naturalization in Germany more attractive and accessible.

To find out if you are eligible for naturalization under the proposed changes, contact our team of citizenship lawyers. We provide expert advice and full-service support to clients worldwide in all matters relating to German citizenship law.

Proposed Changes

The new bill includes a few far-reaching changes to the current German citizenship laws. It includes amendments concerning minimum residency requirements, the permissibility of dual citizenships and language qualifications.

Reduced minimum stay in Germany

Currently, a person must have resided in Germany for at least 8 years before being eligible to apply for German citizenship. This minimum required stay is to be reduced to 5 years. In exceptional cases, naturalization is even possible after three years. These cases require either outstanding language skills, social commitment, extraordinary educational or professional achievements.

Furthermore, children of foreign parents who were born in Germany will receive German citizenship if their parents have lived in Germany for a certain amount of time. In that case, the child automatically becomes a German citizen and keeps their parents‘ citizenship as well. This required minimum stay (for the parents) has also been reduced from 8 to 5 years.

Acceptance of Dual Citizenship

Dual Citizenship, also called multiple citizenship, has long been rejected in Germany. This has led to a big part of the population of Germany consisting of non-German citizens. The bill proposes that citizenship decisions should be based on factors such as language skills, education, career prospects in Germany, social participation, and a commitment to the free democratic basic order and not whether someone has another citizenship or not.

No Longer Required to Renounce German Citizenship when Naturalising Abroad

Along with the acceptance of dual citizenship for residents in Germany, the proposed bill will also have a great impact on German citizens based abroad, as one of the major changes proposed in the new bill is that individuals will no longer lose their German citizenship if they become citizens of another country.

Simplified Language Skill Requirements

The language requirements will also be simplified considerably. For the Gastarbeiter generation, who came to Germany in the 1960s and 70s, the language requirements are reduced to conversational German and the requirement of taking part in a naturalization test is waived.

In all other cases, applicants must exhibit German skills on a B1 level. In hardship cases, conversational German will suffice here as well.

Stance against hate crimes

Stricter rules about criminal activity, especially criminal convictions based on anti-Semitic, racist, xenophobic, or inhumane acts will be grounds for exclusion from German citizenship to ensure that it is granted to those who demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity, respect, and equality.

Germany is planning a more modern approach to citizenship. The reasons for this are to facilitate equal participation for all residents and allow long-term residents access to the political process. A goal is to appreciate the value of cultural ties and will enable individuals to maintain connections to their countries of origin while enjoying the benefits of German citizenship. By doing that, Germany recognises the increasingly interconnected world and the value of maintaining ties to multiple countries. These changes also aim to make Germany a more attractive immigration destination for workers looking to relocate, a necessary step in combatting labour shortage in the German industry in the long term.

Experts in German Citizenship Law

Although the citizenship reform provides for simpler laws concerning naturalization in Germany, the German law landscape remains a challenge, especially for non-native speakers. Our team of expert lawyers understands the complexities of the legal requirements and can guide you through the application process, ensuring compliance with all necessary documentation and procedures. This includes assessing eligibility criteria, preparing the needed paperwork and if needed, representing you in legal proceedings. This is where working with German citizenship lawyers can be of great advantage for you when navigating the citizenship process in Germany.

Don’t hesitate to contact us promptly. We are committed to providing expert advice and legal support, ensuring a smooth and successful citizenship application process for you in Germany.