- Shortened residency requirement from 8 to 5 years for foreign residents in Germany.
- Children born in Germany gain citizenship if at least one parent has lived there for 5 years.
- Emphasis on integration, language skills, and self-sufficiency, reflecting Germany’s push for skilled labor .
The German Federal Government has given its approval to a novel citizenship law aimed at simplifying the process for foreigners residing in Germany to acquire citizenship. According to a report by SchengenVisaInfo, the new legislation reduces the mandatory residency duration from eight years to five.
Moreover, children born in Germany will be eligible for citizenship if at least one parent has lived in the country for a continuous period of five years. The green light for this law was welcomed by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who highlighted its significance in enhancing Germany’s global competitiveness and its attractiveness as a business hub.
Minister Faeser stressed the importance of a contemporary immigration framework to draw and retain skilled labor, noting the prior approval of the Skilled Immigration Act. The recent citizenship law marks a pivotal advancement in the modernization of Germany’s immigration structure.
The Ministry of Interior disclosed that among the 12 million foreign nationals residing in Germany, approximately 5.3 million have called the country home for a decade or more. This statistic underscores the fact that a substantial portion of the population, deeply integrated into Germany, faces constraints in engaging and participating democratically.
This groundbreaking law is poised to offer millions the opportunity to attain German nationality and avail themselves of the privileges associated with it. The Ministry of Interior has outlined several key components of the legislation. Successful assimilation, a proficient command of the German language, and self-sufficiency in terms of livelihood will be obligatory for naturalization.
The waiting period for citizenship will be shortened to five years from the present eight. In exceptional cases, individuals displaying exceptional work performance, commendable German language proficiency, and financial autonomy will be eligible for naturalization after just three years.
A notable facet of the legislation pertains to children born to foreign parents within Germany’s borders. These children will automatically receive German citizenship if at least one parent has lawfully resided in Germany for over five years. As a progressive move, the naturalization test will be waived for guest and contract workers who have made significant contributions to Germany’s progress.
Additionally, the law emphasizes that foreign nationals aspiring for German citizenship must adhere to the principles of the free democratic foundation of the country.