In a major policy shift, the upcoming German government led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) alliance and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has decided to abolish the fast-track, 3-year citizenship route for well-integrated immigrants. This change was confirmed in the coalition agreement released this week, Germany's stat-owned broadcaster Deutsche Welle said in a report.
The decision reverses a reform introduced in June last year by the outgoing SPD-led coalition that included the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). The 3-year naturalization path allowed immigrants with a high C1 level in the German language and strong societal integration—such as volunteer work or professional excellence—to apply for citizenship.
The CDU and CSU had strongly opposed the policy, labelling it as "turbo" naturalization. Some leaders argued that three years is too short a time for someone to qualify for German nationality. The reform had been welcomed by immigrant communities, particularly those with strong ties to Germany through education or employment.
Despite the rollback, immigrants will still be eligible for German citizenship after five years of continuous residence and proficiency in German at the B1 level, as per the broader reform that remains intact.
Dual citizenship policy to continue
The coalition has chosen not to reverse the reform allowing dual citizenship. Previously, German law largely prohibited dual citizenship with non-EU countries. Since the change, applications for naturalization have increased, especially among Germany’s Turkish community.
CDU leader and incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz had criticised dual citizenship in the past, but the issue was settled through negotiations with the SPD. The agreement confirms that dual nationality will continue to be allowed under the next government.
No revocation of citizenship for dual nationals
The coalition has also decided not to proceed with proposals to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals involved in extremist activities. The CDU/CSU had earlier suggested revoking the nationality of naturalized citizens who support terrorism, antisemitism or act against the democratic order. The SPD opposed this, stating that such a move would "make German citizenship worth less" for dual nationals.
Migrant organizations had also condemned the proposal. The new government will instead consider stricter expulsion rules for non-citizens who act against the democratic order, but naturalized dual citizens will not be affected.
This coalition agreement marks a compromise between the conservative and center-left parties, reflecting changes to Germany’s approach to immigration and integration policies.
The decision reverses a reform introduced in June last year by the outgoing SPD-led coalition that included the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). The 3-year naturalization path allowed immigrants with a high C1 level in the German language and strong societal integration—such as volunteer work or professional excellence—to apply for citizenship.
The CDU and CSU had strongly opposed the policy, labelling it as "turbo" naturalization. Some leaders argued that three years is too short a time for someone to qualify for German nationality. The reform had been welcomed by immigrant communities, particularly those with strong ties to Germany through education or employment.
Despite the rollback, immigrants will still be eligible for German citizenship after five years of continuous residence and proficiency in German at the B1 level, as per the broader reform that remains intact.
Dual citizenship policy to continue
The coalition has chosen not to reverse the reform allowing dual citizenship. Previously, German law largely prohibited dual citizenship with non-EU countries. Since the change, applications for naturalization have increased, especially among Germany’s Turkish community.
CDU leader and incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz had criticised dual citizenship in the past, but the issue was settled through negotiations with the SPD. The agreement confirms that dual nationality will continue to be allowed under the next government.
No revocation of citizenship for dual nationals
The coalition has also decided not to proceed with proposals to revoke the citizenship of dual nationals involved in extremist activities. The CDU/CSU had earlier suggested revoking the nationality of naturalized citizens who support terrorism, antisemitism or act against the democratic order. The SPD opposed this, stating that such a move would "make German citizenship worth less" for dual nationals.
Migrant organizations had also condemned the proposal. The new government will instead consider stricter expulsion rules for non-citizens who act against the democratic order, but naturalized dual citizens will not be affected.
This coalition agreement marks a compromise between the conservative and center-left parties, reflecting changes to Germany’s approach to immigration and integration policies.
You may also like
UK airports that have cancelled most flights as Brits fly for Easter breaks - full list
Snooker star issues striking eight-word message after never-done-before 147 feat
Lindsay Hoyle sparks fury after splurging £300k on first-class flights and 5-star hotels
'Marco Polo of turtles' swims from Odisha to Maharashtra for double nesting
Lucknow hospital fire: All patients in affected wards rescued, says DM
