The Bundestag passed a bill to amend the Nationality Act on Wednesday, effectively scrapping Germany’s fast-track naturalisation route.
The measure was supported by the governing parties – the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and the centre-left SPD – as well as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The Greens and the Left voted against the bill.
The change comes less than 18 months after the reform of nationality law came into force in June 2024 and marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to citizenship and integration.
Why did the vote take place?
The fast-track naturalisation process, introduced by the previous "traffic light" coalition government in 2024, allowed migrants who could demonstrate exceptional integration achievements – such as excellent German language skills at C1 level, above-average professional success, or many years of voluntary work – to apply for citizenship after only three years.
After coming to power, Germany’s new federal government argued that three years is too short to ensure “sustainable integration into German society.” Another argument was the so-called “distance requirement” that a clear distinction should exist between a permanent right of residence (usually granted after five years) and citizenship.
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Who is affected?
The number of people directly affected by the abolition is small. According to a survey by ARD-Hauptstadtstudio only 573 people in Berlin had been naturalised after three years of residence since the introduction of the fast-track route – just 1.02 percent of all naturalisations. In Bavaria, the figure was even lower: 78 people, or about 0.14 percent. In Baden-Württemberg, there were only 16 cases in 2024.
Despite the low numbers, the decision sends a broader message.
Green Party leader Felix Banaszak described the move as a “step backwards” and argued that people who have integrated well and shown commitment should not have to wait longer for citizenship.
Left Party MP Ferat Kocak accused the coalition factions of making “AfD hatred socially acceptable” with their migration policy.
What happens now to current applications?
As The Local reported, the government decided against a grace period whereby people who had already submitted their application would still be able to naturalise. This means that as soon as the new law comes into force, all pending applications will be assessed according to the regular five-year period.
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According to the rules in Germany, the new law will come into effect the day after its publication in the Federal Law Gazette. In practice, this could take anywhere from several days to several weeks.
Reaction
The decision has sparked strong reactions on both sides of the debate.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the move, stating: “The German passport must be available as recognition of successful integration, not as an incentive for illegal migration.” He criticised the previous government’s approach as “fundamentally wrong,” arguing that it unsettled the country and did not help with the immigration of skilled workers.
On the other side of the debate, Green Party MP Filiz Polat called the decision “wrong and short-sighted,” insisting that those who meet the high naturalisation requirements early and are actively involved in society should have the opportunity to become naturalised sooner.
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Diakonie Deutschland also criticised the abolition, warning of negative consequences for the labour market: “Germany needs skilled workers – but anyone who sees that integration is being slowed down rather than rewarded here will look for another country,” said Federal Executive Board member Elke Ronneberger.
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