The new coalition government of Germany has announced that it will put an end to the fast-track citizenship scheme.
In June of last year, the previous government enforced a law permitting eligible foreign nationals residing in Germany to obtain German citizenship after only three years of living in the country provided that they are “specially integrated”.
However, the incoming German coalition government CDU/SCU-SPD does not believe that this scheme should continue to remain in force. During a press conference, Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz said that this route to obtain Germany’s passport will no longer be possible, Schengen.News reports.
The new citizenship law that entered into force in June 2024requires “specially integrated” migrants to meet some criteria in order to be eligible for citizenship under an accelerated procedure.
Under the law, this group of migrants need to provide of having German language skills at C1 levels and “impressive” work, education, and societal achievements.
While it is still not clear exactly when this law may be scrapped, the new government noted that there will be an exception for foreign nationals residing in Germany who are married to German citizens.
Foreign spouses of German citizens will continue to be eligible for obtaining citizenship after three years of living in Germany provided that they have been married to their partner for at least two years.
What Will Happen to Those Who Have Already Applied for German Citizenship Under Fast-Track Scheme?
Since the new government has not taken office yet, naturalisation is still permitted in Germany after three years of residing in the country.
As I Am Expat Germany explains, Merz will be selected as the German Chancellor on May 6 and only on May 7, 2025, the new coalition governing will begin.
Even after this date, several procedures need to be completed before the new government scrapping the fast-track scheme.
From May 7, Chancellor Merz and his government will be able to prepare to put to vote the bill to end citizenship under an accelerated procedure. When the bill passes, only then the new government can change this particular law.
Taking this into account, those who have already submitted an application for German citizenship after three years could still gain German citizenship before the law changes.
The new German government plans to make other changes in relation to citizenship, too. New planning documents recently revealed that Germany could revoke the citizenship of “terror supporters, antisemites, and extremists” if they hold another nationality.
This move has been highly criticised by some, with a number of Social Democrats saying that this proposal will lead to unequal treatment.