After years of intense debate surrounding the modernisation of citizenship laws in Germany, the current coalition government has finally drafted a comprehensive law aimed at easing the naturalisation process. If passed, these amendments will make naturalisation more accessible and inclusive for foreign citizens living in Germany.
One of the main points of the bill is the provision that grants individuals the opportunity to hold dual citizenship without renouncing their existing citizenship or being required to choose only one. This difference from the previous requirement, which standard wise required renunciation of original citizenship, paves the way for a more inclusive approach to citizenship in Germany. This reform would allow foreign nationals in Germany to maintain stronger ties with their countries of origin while participating fully in German society.
Another significant aspect of the bill is the reduction of the general residence period for naturalisation. The current requirement of standard 8 years of residence in Germany would be reduced to 5 years, signalling an accelerated path to citizenship. Furthermore, for individuals who demonstrate exceptional integration into German society and have a proficient command of the language, naturalisation could be obtained after only 3 years of residence.
Although the current coalition government is very optimistic about the implementation of the draft law, it should be noted that it is still subject to government debate and voting and may be amended. No date has yet been set for the vote.
However, in our view, this draft already demonstrates an important evolution in German legislation to make Germany a more attractive, accessible, and inclusive country for immigration.