Germany - January 2024

On 19 January, the German Bundestag (lower house of parliament), passed a law aimed at reducing the time required to obtain German citizenship from eight to five years for immigrants living legally in the country. In cases of a high level of integration such as special achievements in education, work, or language skills, this period is further shortened to three years. Dual citizenship will also be allowed. Parents can claim citizenship for German-born children if at least one parent has been a legal resident for five years. The law, proposed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left socially liberal coalition, received 382 votes in favour, 234 votes against, and 23 abstentions. The main opposition parties, the Christian Democrats and the Christian Social Union, along with the far-right party Alternative for Germany, voted against. The law seeks to provide integration incentives, bring more skilled workers and help relieve labor shortages. It was passed by the Bundesrat (upper house) on 2 February and is now awaiting signatures from Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, before entering into force three months later.

Sources: Bundestag plenary minutes, Deutsche Welle, Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community