Germany’s Citizenship Reform Takes Effect

An IMGW Report

As Germany’s highly anticipated citizenship reform becomes law, IMGW News highlights the significant changes impacting non-Germans seeking naturalisation.

Liberalisation and Multiple Citizenship

Effective 27 June 2024, Germany’s new citizenship reforms will allow for multiple citizenships as a standard practice. This change marks a departure from the previous policy, which only permitted dual citizenship for EU and Swiss nationals, or under specific “special hardship” conditions.

“Finally, our law is doing justice to our diverse society,” stated Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. “We recognise the life stories and achievements of many people who immigrated long ago and have contributed to our country’s progress. The message is very clear: You belong to Germany!”

Increase in Naturalisations Expected

Currently, around 14% of Germany’s population does not hold German citizenship. In 2022, 168,545 individuals were naturalised, a mere 3.1% of the foreign nationals residing in Germany for over a decade. However, state governments report a surge in applications, anticipating a substantial increase in naturalisations.

The centre-left coalition government, comprising the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens, and Free Democrats (FDP), aims to boost naturalisations, promoting faster integration.

Key Changes Under the New Rules

1. Multiple Nationalities: Applicants no longer need to relinquish their previous nationality to obtain German citizenship.
2. Accelerated Procedure: The naturalisation process is shortened from eight to five years.
3. Special Achievements: Those demonstrating “special achievements in integration” can qualify for citizenship in just three years. Criteria include language proficiency, academic or professional excellence, civic engagement, or political participation.
4. Easier Access for Children: Children born in Germany to foreign parents will automatically receive German citizenship if at least one parent has lived in Germany legally for over five years and holds permanent residency. The previous requirement for children to choose a nationality at 18 is abolished.
5. Recognition of Guest Workers: The guest worker generation, primarily Turkish immigrants from the 1960s, will no longer need to take a naturalisation test. Oral language proficiency will suffice for citizenship. This provision also applies to foreign workers in former East Germany.
6. Self-Sufficiency Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate the ability to support themselves financially, though exemptions apply to the guest worker generation.
7. Commitment to Democratic Values: Applicants must affirm their commitment to the democratic principles of the German constitution, explicitly excluding individuals with records of antisemitism, racism, or other inhumane acts. Those opposing equal rights for men and women or engaged in polygamy are also ineligible. Newly naturalised citizens must commit to protecting Jewish life in Germany.

Opposition Concerns

Opposition parties, including the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), argue that these reforms will devalue the German passport.

Germany’s New Work Visa: The Chancenkarte

In addition to citizenship reforms, Germany has introduced a new work visa, the Chancenkarte, or “Opportunity Card,” to facilitate skilled immigration. Launched on 1 June, this points-based system assesses applicants based on academic qualifications, language skills, and professional experience.

“The Chancenkarte will make it easier and quicker for people with experience and potential to find a suitable job and get started,” said Nancy Faeser.

The Chancenkarte allows non-EU nationals to live in Germany for up to a year while seeking employment, with the possibility of working part-time. This initiative aims to address labour shortages in sectors such as medicine, education, manufacturing, and engineering. Applicants need a minimum of six points based on specific criteria and must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency during their job search.

For more information, interested individuals can visit the Make It In Germany website to check their eligibility and apply for the Chancenkarte through German diplomatic missions or the Chancenkarte website.

If you wish to read more about Germany-related migration news, we suggest you check the following IMGW News article:

• Desperate for Millennial Talent, Germany Introduces ‘Chancenkarte’ for Job-Seeking Migrants