New German Coalition Plans to Scrap 3-Year Citizenship Route

Germany’s Incoming Government to Scrap 3-Year Citizenship Option but Retain 5-Year Path and Dual Nationality

Germany's next governing coalition—formed by the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD)—plans to abolish the recently introduced 3-year fast-track citizenship process, according to their new coalition agreement released this week.

Fast-Track Citizenship Faces the Axe

The expedited naturalization route, introduced in June under the previous SPD-Green-Free Democratic Party coalition, allowed "well-integrated" immigrants to apply for German citizenship after just three years. Candidates needed to demonstrate advanced German language skills (C1 level) along with significant integration efforts, such as academic or professional achievements, or civic engagement.

However, the CDU and CSU—long-time critics of the policy—referred to it disparagingly as "turbo naturalization" and argued that three years was insufficient time to warrant full citizenship. Their push appears to have succeeded in the new coalition talks.

5-Year Citizenship Track and Dual Nationality Remain

Despite rolling back the 3-year option, the government will maintain the standard 5-year path to naturalization. Under the reformed rules passed last year, immigrants can still obtain citizenship after five years of continuous residency and a B1 level of German proficiency.

The incoming coalition will also uphold the current stance on dual citizenship. Once heavily restricted for nationals from non-EU countries, dual citizenship is now broadly permitted under the 2023 reform, prompting a noticeable rise in naturalization applications—particularly from Germany’s sizable Turkish community.

No Plans to Revoke Citizenship from Dual Nationals

Another notable decision in the coalition agreement is the rejection of proposals to strip citizenship from naturalized dual nationals involved in extremist activity or supporting anti-democratic ideologies. While the CDU/CSU had previously floated the idea, it faced resistance from both the SPD and migrant advocacy groups, who argued such a move would devalue the citizenship status of dual nationals.

Instead, the new government plans to consider legal options for deporting non-citizens who undermine Germany’s democratic constitutional order, without targeting dual citizens.