New rules for naturalisation in Germany

Berlin (dpa) – As 27 June 2024, well-integrated immigrants and their children are to be issued with a German passport more quickly. This is the day when the new citizenship legislation came into force in Germany. It will make Germany more attractive for skilled workers from other countries, too.  

Naturalisation after five years

Immigrants are to be able to obtain citizenship after five years of residence in Germany. Eight years of residence is the current requirement. Where an individual performs well at school or in their job, demonstrates good language skills, or gets involved in voluntary work, naturalisation is to be possible after only three years.

Economic and democratic integration

Anyone who wants to be naturalised in Germany must commit to the values of its free society. German citizenship is not granted to anyone who has committed crimes for anti-Semitic or racist motives. Another requirement is that people are generally able to support themselves without having to rely on social benefits. Exceptions are possible, however.

More than one nationality permitted

Providing they are able to show evidence of integration and German language proficiency, people will be allowed to hold more than one nationality in future.

Children will be able to obtain German citizenship more quickly

All children born in Germany to foreign parents are to receive a German passport if at least one parent has lived legally in Germany for more than five years. An eight-year period of residence was previously required here.

Naturalisations will be celebrated publicly

Naturalisation certificates will normally be presented publicly in future. If possible, this is to be done “in a solemn manner and using the national symbols”, as the draft law states.