Germany Ends 3-Year Fast-Track Citizenship: What 2025 Applicants Need to Know
Germany has officially ended its 3-year fast-track naturalisation option for immigrants. The change, part of a new government shift, reflects a more cautious approach to citizenship, even as key reforms like dual nationality remain intact.
What’s Changing: Fast-Track Citizenship Scrapped
Just a year after it was introduced, the accelerated 3-year citizenship route is being abolished. This path had offered highly integrated immigrants — with strong German skills and active social involvement — a quicker way to become citizens.
But the new CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, formed after the 2025 elections, has rolled it back. Critics had dubbed it “turbo naturalisation,” arguing that three years wasn’t long enough to ensure deep integration.
What Was the 3-Year Citizenship Route?
Launched in 2024, the fast-track path targeted individuals who:
- Reached C1-level German language proficiency
- Contributed meaningfully to society (e.g. volunteering, career achievements, academics)
It was especially popular with international students, skilled workers, and long-time residents. But under the new coalition agreement, it’s officially off the table.
What Remains: The 5-Year Naturalisation Path
Though the 3-year route is gone, the 5-year naturalisation option remains — itself a recent reform, down from the previous 8 years.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have lived in Germany for 5 consecutive years
- Speak German at B1 level
- Show social integration (via work, education, or community involvement)
This path is still relatively progressive by European standards, though less ambitious than the short-lived fast-track.
Dual Citizenship Is Here to Stay
One big win remains untouched: dual citizenship.
Germany previously restricted dual nationality, especially for non-EU citizens. But under the 2024 reform, those rules were lifted — and the new government has confirmed they will not be reversed.
This is particularly meaningful for large immigrant communities like the Turkish diaspora, who can now become German citizens without giving up their original passports.
No Citizenship Revocation for Dual Nationals
Another hot topic in the coalition talks was whether naturalised dual citizens could lose their German citizenship if involved in extremism or anti-democratic activities.
The CDU/CSU pushed for revocation powers. However, the SPD blocked this proposal.
Instead, the government agreed to focus on tougher deportation laws for non-citizens involved in extremist acts — without threatening the rights of naturalised individuals.
Summary of the Changes
Here’s a quick look at what’s changed — and what hasn’t:
| Policy Area | Status | Impact |
| 3-Year Citizenship Route | Abolished | No more fast-track for highly integrated people |
| 5-Year Naturalisation Path | Still Active | Standard route for most applicants |
| Dual Citizenship | Remains Allowed | Immigrants can keep their original nationality |
| Citizenship Revocation | Not Enforced | Naturalised citizens are protected |
What This Means for Future Applicants
If you’re planning to apply for German citizenship:
- Prepare for the 5-year route: Focus on meeting the B1 language requirement and building a solid integration record.
- Keep your original passport: Dual citizenship remains fully legal.
- Stay informed: Citizenship laws are evolving — and your path to naturalisation may depend on staying up to date.
Final Thoughts: Slower, But Still Progress
Yes, the rollback of the 3-year option may feel like a setback for some. But Germany’s immigration policy is still moving toward greater flexibility and inclusion — just at a more measured pace.
The end of “turbo naturalisation” doesn’t mean the end of reform. If anything, it shows that Germany is still figuring out how to balance national identity with a growing, diverse society.
For more details, please contact my team. Thank you.
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