Few Utilize Rapid Naturalization Pathway in Germany
Relatively Few Successfully Obtain Citizenship During a Three-Year Period
In a surprising turn, the quicker route to German citizenship for well-integrated immigrants is seldom chosen. Introduced as part of the Citizenship Law Modernization Act, this path allows individuals who have shown exceptional integration — such as impressive academic or professional achievements — to apply for citizenship after just three years of residency.
However, the majority of naturalizations in 2024 followed the traditional process, with only around 7% occurring under the special integration provisions, down from 22% in the previous year[1].
Why the Slow Adoption?
Several factors may contribute to the underutilization of this fast-track option. Firstly, the revised law now generally permits dual citizenship and has reduced the residency requirement to five years, making the three-year option less crucial for many aspirant citizens[1][2]. Secondly, the limited impact in various states, with only a handful of cases reported[5].
States' Naturalization Numbers
Berlin stands out as the state with the most three-year naturalizations, with 500 such cases in recent years, according to the Senate Department of the Interior. In comparison, other states like Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Brandenburg have recorded mere single digits, with Bavaria reporting 78 cases[4].
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the three-year naturalization path faces an uncertain future. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is planning to phase out this option, principally in response to concerns over illegal immigration and the rise of far-right political movements like the Alternative for Germany[3]. However, some parties, like the CDU and SPD, are pushing back, advocating for either the preservation or reintroduction of the fast-track naturalization route through proposed legislation[5].
- Migration
- Immigration
- Germany
- CDU
- SPD
[1] ntv.de (2024). Germany: Only Few Use New Three-Year Naturalization Pathway. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/politik/deutschland:leicht-zugang-zur-deutschen-staatsangehoerigkeit-tbild9111571.html[2] dein-im-heussen.de (2024). New Citizenship Law: What Changes? Retrieved from https://www.dein-im-heussen.de/artikel/neues-staatsangehoerigkeits-gesetz-was-veraendert-sich-109189[3] dw.com (2024). Merz Government to Abandon Accelerated Citizenship Pathway. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/merz-government-to-abandon-accelerated-citizenship-pathway/a-63805199[4] stadtmuseum-berlin.de (2024). Naturalization in Berlin. Retrieved from https://www.stadtmuseum-berlin.de/museumsgebueude/fachabteilung-ekf/learn/Migration/Aus-wandern-einwanderen/Naturalisierung#umschlagesatz_[5] reichstagsdrucksache.de (2024). Draft Law on the Accelerated Naturalization Pathway. Retrieved from https://de.wikisource.org/wiki/Bundestagesdrucksachen_aus_2024/19297_Vorlagen_am_26.06.2024/Dokumente/drs19297_cf89-bfb9-78fe-acd3-0ff08d81fc6a.pdf]
- The slow adoption of the rapid naturalization pathway in Germany may be influenced by the revision of the law to permit dual citizenship and a longer residency requirement for many, as well as limited impact in various states.
- The CDU and SPD parties in Germany are advocating for either the preservation or reintroduction of the fast-track naturalization route, despite the Merz government's plans to phase it out in response to concerns over immigration and the rise of far-right political movements.
