Germany’s newly formed coalition government has officially dismantled the fast-track citizenship route that once allowed well-integrated immigrants to acquire German nationality within just three years. This development marks a significant reversal of an earlier progressive immigration policy and signals a recalibration of how integration is assessed and rewarded in the country.

The change was confirmed following the coalition agreement signed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), representing a new political alignment in German governance. The three-year citizenship pathway, which was championed by the former SPD-Green-Free Democratic Party (FDP) coalition, is now no longer an option under the revised national framework.

Controversial Fast-Track Path Comes to an End

The now-abolished three-year naturalization option was introduced to encourage and reward high-performing immigrants who demonstrated exceptional integration. Eligibility criteria included advanced German language proficiency at the C1 level and active participation in society through employment, education, volunteerism, or other civic contributions. It was widely considered a progressive mechanism aimed at recognizing the achievements of immigrants who quickly became part of the German social and cultural fabric.

However, the policy faced resistance from conservative voices, particularly within the CDU and CSU. Critics derisively referred to it as “turbo naturalization,” arguing that three years was insufficient time to adequately assess a person’s long-term integration and allegiance to German values. They maintained that the accelerated process diluted the seriousness of citizenship and could open the door to security risks or social fragmentation.

As part of the new coalition agreement, the CDU/CSU-SPD government has now eliminated this policy altogether, reflecting a broader shift toward more conservative and measured immigration controls.

Five-Year Citizenship Rule Becomes the New Standard

Despite this rollback, Germany’s updated five-year citizenship rule—introduced in early 2024—remains in force. This model replaced the traditional eight-year naturalization pathway and has been positioned as a more balanced, yet inclusive, approach to naturalization.

Under the five-year rule, immigrants can apply for German citizenship if they meet the following conditions:

• They have legally resided in Germany for five consecutive years.

• They can speak German at the B1 level (intermediate).

• They demonstrate integration through steady employment, educational achievements, or consistent participation in community or civic life.

This new five-year standard represents a compromise between the stricter long-standing requirements and the recently repealed fast-track option. It maintains a level of accessibility while ensuring that applicants show sufficient evidence of lasting integration into German society.

Dual Citizenship Reform Stands Firm

While the coalition has tightened naturalization timelines, it has opted to retain one of the most transformative immigration reforms in Germany’s recent history: the legalization of dual citizenship for non-European Union (EU) nationals.

Previously, Germany generally required immigrants from outside the EU to renounce their original nationality to acquire German citizenship. However, in 2024, that rule was abolished, enabling individuals to maintain dual citizenship—a reform that has received widespread support, particularly among Germany’s large Turkish diaspora and other non-EU communities.

This change has been viewed as an important step toward inclusivity and acknowledgement of multicultural identities within modern Germany. By allowing dual citizenship, the government has helped bridge the emotional and legal gap many immigrants face between their country of origin and their new homeland.

The current coalition has made it clear that this policy will not be reversed, reinforcing its commitment to a more globally interconnected and accepting Germany, even as it tightens other aspects of immigration law.

No Citizenship Revocation for Dual Nationals

Another significant decision by the new government is its stance against revoking the citizenship of dual nationals, even in cases involving extremist behavior or threats to democratic values.

Earlier, the CDU/CSU had floated the idea of stripping citizenship from individuals—especially those with dual nationality—who engage in terrorism, antisemitism, or other anti-democratic activities. However, the SPD firmly opposed this proposal, citing constitutional concerns and the risk of creating second-class citizens.

Ultimately, the coalition chose a more measured approach. Rather than revoking citizenship, it will pursue stricter deportation policies targeting non-citizens who engage in such acts, thereby maintaining the legal inviolability of citizenship for those who have already been naturalised.

This decision reflects a nuanced view of national identity and public safety, prioritising legal protections while still addressing legitimate concerns about extremism.

Broader Implications for Immigrants and Policy Directions

The abolition of the three-year citizenship route is a clear signal that Germany’s immigration policy is entering a new era—one that favours measured integration over rapid naturalization. The CDU/CSU-SPD coalition appears to be aiming for a middle ground: offering realistic opportunities for immigrants to become citizens, but only after demonstrating sustained engagement and cultural integration.

For those who benefited from the previous three-year pathway or were preparing to apply under its terms, the repeal may come as a significant disappointment. However, the continued availability of the five-year option, along with the liberalised stance on dual citizenship, offers alternative routes to those who are committed to building a long-term future in Germany.

Moreover, this policy shift reflects the broader European context, where debates over integration, identity, and migration have become increasingly central to political discourse. Germany, as the EU’s largest economy and a top destination for migrants, continues to navigate the complex balance between openness and national cohesion.

Conclusion

With the scrapping of the fast-track three-year citizenship policy, Germany has realigned its naturalization framework toward a more cautious and deliberate approach. While the move has attracted criticism from immigrant rights advocates and some progressive voices, the government argues that it preserves the integrity and value of German citizenship.

Nonetheless, the maintenance of the five-year citizenship route and the firm commitment to dual nationality show that Germany is not closing its doors to newcomers—it is simply demanding more consistent proof of integration before granting one of its most valuable legal statuses.

The months ahead will reveal how this recalibrated policy affects naturalization trends, integration outcomes, and Germany’s evolving identity as a diverse and multicultural nation.