Germany’s incoming government has announced plans to discontinue the proposed three-year fast-track citizenship pathway for immigrants, opting instead to maintain the traditional five-year residency requirement.
The new policy, spearheaded by the incoming coalition government, consisting of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) alliance and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), will allow immigrants to become eligible for citizenship after five years of continuous residency.
The updated policy also introduces more lenient language requirements.
Additionally, dual citizenship, which was previously restricted, will remain allowed, with a strong emphasis on expelling non-citizens who threaten Germany’s democratic values.
The fast-track citizenship plan, initially introduced last year under the SPD-led government, allowed immigrants who were exceptionally integrated into German society—demonstrating advanced German language proficiency (C1 level) and significant contributions such as volunteer work, academic accomplishments, or professional success—to apply for citizenship after just three years of residence.
However, the CDU and CSU have long opposed the three-year pathway, labeling it as “turbo naturalisation,” arguing that a three-year residency period was insufficient for granting citizenship. With their influence regaining strength, the proposal is set to be scrapped.
Despite this change, the standard five-year citizenship pathway will remain, requiring applicants to reside continuously in Germany for five years and possess a B1 level of German proficiency.
The new policy reflects the coalition’s approach to immigration and citizenship, maintaining a focus on integration and democratic values.
