Germany has made landmark changes to citizenship conditions for foreigners applying for citizenship in Germany and most importantly relaxing rules for immigrants. The Landmark citizenship reforms, set to come into play from June 27, 2024. The naturalisation rate in Germany currently at 1.1 percent, is below the EU average of 2.0 percent and the new reforms are expected to improve this number.
Here are the most important changes made with the modernization of citizenship law in Germany.
1.Dual Citizenship
Dual/multiple nationality now freely permitted. Naturalized citizens are not required to sever ties with their home country.
2.Residence Period
The required period of residence to naturalize in Germany is to be decreased from eight to five years, or even to three years for individuals who have achieved an outstanding level of integration.
3. Children
Children born in Germany to non-German parents are automatically granted German citizenship if one parent has been legally living in Germany for more than five years with unlimited residency status.
4. Denaturalization
Reasons for exclusion from naturalisation, now include polygamy and disregard for gender equality. Also anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of disrespect for human beings are incompatible with the guarantee of human dignity enshrined in the Basic Law, and are grounds for exclusion from the option to acquire citizenship.
5. Accelerated
The security clearance process for applications is to be digitalised and accelerated for faster approvals.
