New German Law to Grant Citizenship to Millions of Foreigners in the Country
Citizenship by naturalization will be granted after five years of residence in Germany instead of the current eight. Naturalization after three years will be possible for those who have achieved outstanding performance at work or do voluntary work, speak German well and are financially independent.
Facilitating the issuance of German citizenship through the adoption of the new immigration law's draft Future developments will make it quicker and simpler for foreign nationals to become German citizens. According to the draft bill that the nation's cabinet approved on Wednesday, August 23, immigrants cannot petition for citizenship until they have lived in Germany for five years. Before, eight years of residency were needed to become a citizen. People who have made excellent professional or academic achievements or who have volunteered are also given refuge under the new immigration law. After three years, these people may submit a special citizenship application. Foreign nationals may now simultaneously have several citizenships thanks to changes made to German immigration legislation.
The Ministry of Interior identified the following as the main provisions of the bill in a statement released today after the new law was approved:
👉In the future, becoming a citizen will need successful integration, a solid command of the German language, and the capacity for independent financial support.
👉Instead of the existing eight years of residence in Germany, citizenship by naturalization will be awarded after five years.
👉Those who have demonstrated exceptional success at work or in their volunteer activities, who speak German fluently, and who are financially independent will be eligible for naturalization after three years.
👉If at least one parent has been lawfully in Germany for more than five years, then all foreign parents who have children born in Germany will automatically get German citizenship.