Historic Changes to German Citizenship Legislation Approved by Bundestag
Berlin, January 21, 2024 — In a historic move, members of the German Bundestag have voted to pass significant amendments to Germany's citizenship legislation. The changes, which include provisions for dual citizenship and accelerated pathways to citizenship, mark a paradigm shift in the nation's approach to immigration and naturalization.
Dual Citizenship Law Approval
After a concise but impactful 45-minute debate over the 80-page law, a clear majority of 382 Bundestag members voted in favor of the new citizenship law. A total of 234 members opposed it, and 23 abstained, solidifying the legislative support behind the groundbreaking changes.
The key feature of the law is the reduction of the residency requirement for eligibility for a German passport. Individuals residing in Germany for just five years will now qualify, and they will have the option to retain their original nationality, embracing dual citizenship. Remarkably, for those who exhibit outstanding achievements in their professional endeavors and achieve proficiency in German at C1 level, the waiting period is further reduced to three years.
Benefits for Older Residents and Children
The legislation also brings positive changes for older residents, with those over 67 exempted from proving B1-level language skills and bypassing the naturalization test. Additionally, children born to non-German parents in the country will soon be eligible for a passport if at least one parent has been legally resident in Germany for a minimum of five years at the time of the child's birth.
Bundestag Readings and Party Stances
Before the pivotal vote, the law underwent its second and third readings in the Bundestag, where political representatives expressed differing views. CDU / CSU representative Alexander Throm criticized the timing of the law, citing the migration crisis and conflicts in Israel. However, proponents like Canan Bayram (Greens) argued that modernizing the citizenship law is timely and crucial for social cohesion.
Next Steps and Implementation
With Bundestag approval secured, the legislation now advances to the Bundesrat, representing the interests of the 16 German federal states. The coalition government anticipates a smooth process at this stage, as the changes primarily pertain to federal matters and don't involve budgetary considerations or amendments to the German constitution.
The Bundesrat is scheduled to convene on February 2 and 22, potentially marking the final legislative hurdle. President Steinmeier is expected to formalize the law, and administrative adjustments are projected to be completed by April 2024, when the new citizenship regulations are set to come into effect.
Considerations for Applicants
As the implementation date approaches, potential applicants are advised to consider regional variations in processing times. Worker shortages in Germany's public sector can lead to disparate processing times, with some cities experiencing delays of years while others operate on shorter timelines. Prospective citizens are encouraged to explore processing times in their areas and strategize their applications accordingly, taking into account the expected enforcement of the new rules in April 2024.
