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Germany's new coalition government is scrapping the 3-year fast-track citizenship route for well-integrated immigrants. While the five-year path and dual citizenship rules remain, the decision marks a shift in the country’s approach to naturalization.
In a significant move, the government of Germany has announced the end of the 3-year fast-track citizenship route for immigrants. This pathway, introduced just last year, allowed well-integrated individuals to apply for German citizenship in a shorter time frame, but it’s now being repealed under the new administration.
The shift comes as part of the recently signed coalition agreement between the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) bloc and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), replacing reforms introduced in 2024 by the previous SPD-Green-FDP government.
What Was Germany’s 3-Year Fast-Track Citizenship Route?
The 3-year naturalisation option was designed for highly integrated immigrants who:
• Held a C1 level proficiency in the German language
• Actively contributed to German society through volunteering, professional success, or academic achievement
It aimed to reward those who demonstrated a deep commitment to life in Germany. The route was especially popular among immigrants who had spent years studying or working in the country.
However, critics from the CDU and CSU labelled it “turbo naturalisation,” arguing that three years was too short a time to fully integrate and qualify for citizenship.
What Are the New Citizenship Requirements in Germany?
Even as the fast-track option ends, Germany continues to offer regular naturalisation after five years, a process streamlined under last year’s reforms. Applicants must:
• Live in Germany for at least five consecutive years
• Demonstrate B1 level German language proficiency
• Show social integration through work, education, or community participation
This five-year citizenship path, while longer than the fast-track, still reflects a more modern and accessible approach compared to the earlier eight-year rule.
Dual Citizenship in Germany Will Stay
Despite the rollback on the 3-year option, one key change is here to stay: dual citizenship.
Before the 2024 reform, Germany generally did not allow dual citizenship for nationals outside the EU. But the new law removed this restriction, allowing immigrants to retain their original nationality when becoming German citizens.
The new coalition has confirmed it will not reverse this decision, marking a win for communities like the Turkish diaspora, which has long advocated for this right.
No Citizenship Revocation for Dual Nationals
Another headline from the coalition deal: dual nationals will not face citizenship revocation, even in cases involving extremist affiliations.
The CDU/CSU had earlier pushed for laws that would allow Germany to strip dual citizens of their nationality if they supported terrorism, antisemitism, or anti-democratic ideologies. However, the SPD firmly opposed this idea.
Instead, the government will consider stricter deportation measures for non-citizens who act against Germany’s constitutional values, without affecting naturalised citizens.
Conclusion: A More Balanced But Slower Path to German Citizenship
Germany’s decision to end the fast-track citizenship route may be disappointing for many well-integrated immigrants hoping for a quicker path to belonging. However, the continuation of dual citizenship and the five-year residency rule still signal progress.
The new policies reflect a careful balancing act between integration and national identity, aiming to maintain fairness without compromising societal values.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/germany-ends-fast-track-citizenship-key-changes-2025-applicants/
