Germany has officially scrapped its fast-track 3-year citizenship programme, marking a notable shift in the country’s approach to immigration and integration. The move reflects growing political and public unease about migration in a nation that still faces serious labour shortages.
A Change in Political Direction
The reform was driven by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his centre-right government, which fulfilled its election promise to reverse the previous coalition’s “turbo naturalisation” rule. Introduced in 2024 under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the policy allowed exceptionally well-integrated residents to apply for German citizenship after just three years instead of five.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the repeal, stating:
“A German passport must come as recognition of successful integration, not as an incentive for illegal migration.”
The decision, supported by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and other conservative factions, signals a tougher stance on migration even as the country continues to compete for skilled labour.
What Has Changed in the Citizenship Law
While the fast-track option is gone, other key elements of the 2024 citizenship reform remain intact. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed and what hasn’t:
| Rule | Before (Scholz Government) | Now (Merz Government) |
| Standard residency requirement | 8 years | 5 years |
| Fast-track citizenship | Possible after 3 years for “exceptionally integrated” residents | Abolished |
| Dual citizenship | Permitted for all applicants | Still permitted |
| Language & income requirements | High proficiency and financial self-sufficiency required | Still required |
Why the Fast-Track Was Removed
The fast-track route was meant to attract top global talent — skilled workers, researchers, and professionals — by rewarding strong integration and civic engagement. However, it was rarely used.
According to government data:
- Only a few hundred people benefited from the scheme out of 300,000 naturalizations in 2024.
- In Berlin, just 573 people applied for fast-track citizenship since the rule took effect.
Critics argued that the programme had little real-world impact but created the perception of offering “easy citizenship,” which fueled anti-immigration sentiment.
Broader Context: Migration Fatigue in Germany
Public attitudes toward immigration have hardened in recent years, with many citizens frustrated by pressure on local housing and services. This shift has helped the AfD gain unprecedented support, becoming one of the strongest parties in several regional polls.
At the same time, Germany faces a shrinking population and severe skilled-worker shortages. Lawmakers like Filiz Polat of the Greens criticised the repeal, warning that it undermines Germany’s competitiveness:
“Making access to German citizenship harder for well-integrated, highly qualified people is both unfair and short-sighted.”
What It Means for Future Applicants
Despite the rollback, the path to German citizenship remains more accessible than it was a few years ago. Applicants can still apply after five years (instead of eight), hold dual nationality, and enjoy a more modernised legal framework.
However, experts caution that administrative bottlenecks — from long processing times to understaffed immigration offices — continue to slow down naturalisations.
Germany’s decision to end the fast-track citizenship programme is more symbolic than practical — few people ever qualified for it. Still, it highlights how German citizenship has become a political flashpoint, balancing the country’s need for skilled workers with its desire for stronger integration standards.
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