The next German government consisting of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/Christian Social Union (CSU) alliance and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) will abolish a 3-year expedited path to citizenship for “well-integrated” immigrants, according to the parties’ coalition agreement released this week.
No more ‘turbo’ naturalization after conservative push
That 3-year path to citizenship became available to applicants last June, after the previous governing coalition of the SPD, environmentalist Greens and business-focused Free Democratic Party passed a reform on German naturalization.
The 3-year option requires applicants to not only possess an advanced C1 level of German, but also to show other achievements of strong integration in German society, such as volunteer work or high achievements at work or in their studies.
The conservative CDU and its Bavarian sister party the CSU had often criticized the 3-year path, calling it “turbo” naturalization. Some conservative critics claim that three years of residency in Germany is too short to receive German nationality.
However, immigrants will still be able to apply for German citizenship after 5 years of continuous residency in the country and an intermediate B1 level of German in line with last year’s reform. Moreover, dual citizenship will still be permitted.
Dual citizenship here to stay
Prior to last year’s reform, dual citizenship between Germany and a non-EU member state was largely not allowed. Since the reform came into effect, naturalization applications for German citizenship have spiked, with Germany’s large Turkish community taking interest.
Although conservatives such as CDU leader and likely next German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have criticized the idea of dual citizenship, it seems they compromised on the issue during coalition talks with the SPD.
Revoking citizenship from dual nationals no longer under consideration
The next German coalition will also not pursue the idea of withdrawing German citizenship from naturalized people who are dual citizens.
Earlier, parties were interested in exploring the idea of whether German citizenship can be revoked from naturalized citizens characterized as terror supporters, antisemites or extremists who “call for the abolition of the free and democratic basic order.”
This idea, put forward by the CDU/CSU, was criticized by the SPD as meaning that German citizenship would be “worth less” for dual nationals. The proposal was also condemned by migrant associations in Germany.
Instead, the coalition agreement for the next government said the parties will examine possible changes to expel those who “call for the abolition of the free and democratic basic order,” but this would apply to non-citizens rather than dual nationals.
