Key Takeaways
- The fast-track 3-year citizenship program will be abolished by the new German coalition government.
- Naturalization after a stay of 5 years in Germany will still be possible.
- Dual citizenship is officially permitted.
Germany’s newly formed coalition government—led by the CDU/CSU in partnership with the SPD has concluded the agreement which will abolish the so-called turbo naturalization – citizenship after three years. The shortest ever German citizenship after 3 years was made possible back in June 2024, and the law could not even last for a year.
Dual Citizenship Now Recognized
Another pivotal element of the reform is the formal acceptance of dual citizenship, a significant departure from previous regulations. Before the changes, most non-EU citizens had to renounce their original nationality to become German.
The shift has been particularly well-received among Germany’s large Turkish diaspora, which has shown a marked increase in naturalization applications since the reform.
What is Turbo Naturalization?
In a major shift in immigration policy, Germany introduced a new 3-year path to citizenship as part of a broader reform passed by the previous governing coalition, comprising SPD, the Greens, and FDP. This reform, effective since June of last year, has significantly reshaped the landscape of naturalization in Germany.
The 3-year citizenship pathway has not been without controversy. The conservative CDU and the CSU have labeled the measure “turbo naturalization.” Critics argue that three years of residency is insufficient to develop the depth of connection traditionally associated with German citizenship.
National Security and Citizenship: A Separate Debate
While citizenship policy has become more inclusive, discussions around national security remain ongoing. The CDU/CSU previously floated the idea of revoking German citizenship from dual nationals involved in extremist or anti-democratic activities.
However, the proposal was widely criticized, including by migrant advocacy groups and members of the SPD, for potentially creating a two-tier citizenship system.
The incoming government has decided not to pursue this controversial proposal. Instead, it will consider legal options to expel non-citizens who pose a threat to the constitutional order, avoiding a direct challenge to the rights of naturalized citizens.