The new nationality law in Germany comes into effect starting today, Thursday. The law, crafted by the ruling coalition, grants eligibility for naturalization after five years of residence in Germany instead of eight, provided that all conditions are met. Foreigners in Germany can obtain citizenship in just three years if they demonstrate outstanding integration achievements, such as good performance in school or work, proficient language skills, or voluntary work.
All children born in Germany to foreign parents will immediately receive German citizenship, and they can retain their parents’ citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in Germany for more than five years, down from the previous eight years, and holds permanent residency rights. The “options model,” which previously applied to youth who did not grow up in Germany, has been abolished.
To recognize the achievements of contracted workers in the former German Democratic Republic, known as “guest workers,” citizenship requirements for these groups have been reduced.
Tomai, a member of the German parliament (Bundestag), explained that the expected increase in citizenship applications under the new reform does not necessarily mean there will be significantly more naturalizations in the long term. He clarified that anyone wishing to become German must be financially self-sufficient, unlike previous requirements.
