The German parliament approved the abolition of accelerated naturalization on October 8, allowing for obtaining a German passport in three years under exceptional integration successes. This is a step by the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition to curb migration, despite the growing interest in becoming German. This is reported by DW.
There was a naturalization procedure in Germany for three years
The bill, outlined in the coalition agreement, eliminates the “express option” introduced in June 2024. At that time, the previous government reduced the standard period from eight to five years and introduced a three-year path for those demonstrating outstanding achievements.
Now the focus is on the basic procedure to avoid “false incentives” for illegal immigrants. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt called it a mistake back in May:
"The express naturalization created additional false incentives for illegal migration. We are eliminating these pull factors."
In a conversation with Bild, he added that the changes would reduce the influx of asylum seekers.
What naturalization procedure was canceled in Germany
The abolition only concerns the accelerated track, but the general rules are tightening. Here are the key conditions that previously offered a chance for three years:
Outstanding success in education or career;
Active civic participation, such as volunteering in fire services or social spheres;
Financial independence for oneself and family;
Proficiency in German at C1 level.
Plus, a mandatory test on societal knowledge and no criminal record. False information in the application can result in passport annulment for up to 10 years.
Dual citizenship and the five-year standard remain — this is a relief for Ukrainians, as it allows keeping the Kyiv passport. But for automatic citizenship for children born in Germany, everything remains unchanged.
The Bundestag decision is not the end: the approval of the Bundesrat from the states is ahead. The previous 2024 law aimed to attract talent by reducing bureaucracy and allowing dual status. However, the new coalition government sees the three-year path as a magnet for migrants, including 1.1 million Ukrainian refugees.
Earlier we reported that the number of refugees in Germany has reached a record.