As anticipated, Germany's parliament has abolished the country’s three-year fast-track naturalization pathway. This option, which was available only to ‘exceptionally well-integrated’ applicants, was established in 2024 as part of broader naturalization reforms, including decreasing the standard necessary residence period to five years (down from 10 years) and relaxing dual-nationality rules. Following the abolishment of the three-year option, foreign nationals will now only have the five-year residence option in order to become eligible for citizenship. This rule change follows the shifting political landscape in Germany. The relaxed citizenship laws were introduced under the previous center-right government; while these recent restrictions have occurred amid a conservative majority in the country’s legislature.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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