According to the new naturalization law, German citizenship in 3 years is possible through an extraordinary integration process. Though the new citizenship law is based on granting nationality in 5 years, it is surely earlier possible.
The new German Naturalization Act comes into force on 27 June 2024. This will bring remarkable changes to the old-styled naturalization system. Overall reduced residence requirements and dual nationality are the salient features of it.
German Citizenship in 3 Years
In the new citizenship laws, a path for foreigners has been introduced through which they can apply for the nationality of Germany after three years of legal residence. According to “Paragraph 1 Sentence 1” of the citizenship law, non-EU residents living in Germany for a minimum of 3 years can apply for naturalization by showing that they:
- have made special integration achievements, in particularly good academic, vocational, or professional achievements or civic engagement;
- meet the requirements of a language test at CEFR level C1; and or
- have performed voluntary work (in Germany).
Other requirements of Citizenship application
In addition to the above, they should also meet the requirement of Section 8 paragraph 1 number 4. These are:
- life in Germany test certificate (leben in Deutschland),
- no criminal convictions,
- living for yourself and your dependent relatives without making use of social assistance benefits (SGB XII) or basic security for job seekers (SGB II).
Applicants who want to apply for citizenship in Germany should also show:
- commitment to the free democratic basic order of the “Basic Law” as a prerequisite for naturalization;
- applicants for naturalization must acknowledge Germany’s special historical responsibility for the unjust N.a.z.i. rule and its consequences, in particular for the protection of Jewish life, as well as for the peaceful coexistence of peoples, in particular the prohibition of waging a war of aggression;
- it should be clear in the future that “anti-Semitic, racist or other inhumanely motivated actions” are incompatible with the human dignity guarantee of the Basic Law and violate its free democratic basic order.
What is the new citizenship law?
The new citizenship law was passed by the German parliament on 19 January 2024. The law was made a part of the official Gazette on 26 March 2024. This new law opened the doors of turbo citizenship in Europe’s top country Germany. A legal residence of 5 or in some cases three years has been set enough to apply for the naturalization process.
Applicants showing German language skills, integration, clean character history, and no source of public funds can apply for citizenship in five years instead of three years. In the case of special integration, the eligibility for residence is reduced to 3 years as mentioned above.
How will this new law benefit foreigners?
The new Naturalization Act will help around 5.3 million foreigners who have been living in Germany for more than 10 years. After receiving the citizenship, they can also hold original citizenship (dual nationality).
Germany awarded 168,545 citizenships to foreigners in 2022 which is 17% of the total award of naturalization in the whole of Europe that year.