Germany slashes citizenship residency rules from 8 to 3 years; all key details here

Germany has slashed the residency citizenship rules from eight to three years in the new plan that was approved by the federal government on August 31, Thursday. Foreign nationals must reside in Germany for at least 3 years before they can apply for citizenship in a move to fast track the naturalization of foreign workers. The federal government was taking “the important next step with the new citizenship law” having eased the visa restrictions for prospective migrant workers, said the French Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in a statement.

“A modern citizenship law is therefore also a decisive key for the competitiveness of Germany as a business location,” French Interior Minister Nancy Faeser noted. 

The plan was enacted by the German government to address the growing decline in attractiveness for migrant workers in recent years as well as boost the competitiveness of skilled workers, according to the government. The three-year fast citizenship attainment is now possible for all overseas citizens who have good standing. Applicants with criminal records that are “irreconcilable with a commitment to the free democratic basic order” are banned from applying.

Financially self-sufficient, language proficient overseas citizens encouraged to apply

As per the new plan, the standard time period for foreign citizens who are living and working in Germany should be at least three minimum years. Those seeking citizenship must demonstrate that they are financially self-sufficient. The government insists that the nationals seeking to apply for citizenship must also demonstrate a high level of integration within German culture, and show advanced language proficiency.

Asylum seekers, who have been previously banned or face deportation back to their country of origin will not be eligible to apply. The law also felicitates the formal recognition of dual citizenship. This implies that if applying to obtain a German passport, the nationals do not relinquish their initial citizenship when obtaining a German passport. "Foreign nationals will no longer be forced to give up part of their identity,” said Faeser. Critics, however, slammed the move saying that the applicants who apply for citizenship lack the commitment to Germany and its liberal values. 

“German citizenship is something very precious; something one should treat very carefully,” CDU party leader Friedrich Merz said in a statement.  “Things can’t happen fast enough for the abolitionists of Germany – now German citizenship is also being sold at a discount,” Alice Wiedel, the co-leader of the hardline nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party tweeted.