Important Updates
Important Updates
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status Designation with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Clears Federal Review
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Certifies Nationwide Class and Issues Preliminary Injunction Barring Implementation of Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Reverts to More Restrictive Child Age-Out Calculation Policy
August 7, 2025 | IrelandHR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status Designation with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Clears Federal Review
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Certifies Nationwide Class and Issues Preliminary Injunction Barring Implementation of Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
August 8, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Reverts to More Restrictive Child Age-Out Calculation Policy
August 7, 2025 | IrelandHR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Germany: New Citizenship Law to Enter into Force in June 2024

June 27, 2024

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • GermanyGermany

Related content

  • Wege zur deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit 
  • German Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related content

  • Wege zur deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit 
  • German Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related content

  • Wege zur deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit 
  • German Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Update – June 27, 2024: Following further clarification from authorities, this law went into effect on June 27, 2024.
  • On March 26, 2024, the legislative process for the citizenship law was completed and the law will enter into force on June 26, 2024.
  • Among other changes, the law will:
    • reduce the minimum period of German residence necessary for naturalization to five years (and even three years in exceptional circumstances), down from eight years.
    • allow German citizens to hold multiple citizenships whereas currently, dual citizenship is possible only in rare circumstances.
  • This law is expected to increase uptake of German citizenship, especially as many potential citizenship applicants are citizens of other countries and therefore currently barred from naturalizing without giving up their current citizenship. It is also likely to make Germany a more attractive labour market for foreign talent, as access to a German passport will be easier.

The situation

On March 26, 2024, the legislative process for the citizenship law was completed following the signature of the president and publication in the Federal Law Gazette. The law will enter into force on June 26, 2024. Update – June 27, 2024: Following further clarification from authorities, this law went into effect on June 27, 2024.

A closer look

As noted previously, the new law makes the following changes (among others) to German citizenship law:

  • Shorter naturalization periods. Generally, the minimum period of German residence necessary for naturalization will be reduced to five years (down from the current eight years). Additionally, in the special cases of an ‘exceptionally well-integrated’ individual, the minimum period will be reduced to three years.
  • Multiple citizenships. German citizens will be able to hold multiple citizenships as a matter of course. Currently, except in rare circumstances, German citizens cannot hold multiple citizenships.
  • Relaxed naturalization for children. Foreign national children born in Germany will be granted German citizenship by birth if at least one of their parents has habitually resided in Germany for at least five years and holds permanent residency. Currently, this is only possible if the habitually-resident parent had resided in Germany for eight years.

Impact

This law is expected to increase uptake of German citizenship, especially as many potential citizenship applicants are citizens of other countries and therefore currently barred from naturalizing without giving up their current citizenship. It is also likely to make Germany a more attractive labour market for foreign talent, as access to the powerful German passport will be easier.

Background

These reforms seek to increase the uptake of citizenship in Germany – which is currently below the EU average.

Looking ahead

Due to shorter naturalization periods as well as the end of the ban of dual citizenship, a significant increase of applications is expected which will slow down government processing times for naturalizations.

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].

Country / Territory

  • GermanyGermany

Related content

  • Wege zur deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit 
  • German Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related content

  • Wege zur deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit 
  • German Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related content

  • Wege zur deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit 
  • German Citizenship

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

From Advocacy to Action: Vietnam’s New Work Permit Decree Takes Shape

Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.

Learn more

Blog post

Coming in Fast: An On-the-Ground Perspective of Vietnam’s Dynamic Immigration Landscape

This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Learn more

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Blog post

From Advocacy to Action: Vietnam’s New Work Permit Decree Takes Shape

Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.

Learn more

Blog post

Coming in Fast: An On-the-Ground Perspective of Vietnam’s Dynamic Immigration Landscape

This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Learn more

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.