Germany Solidifies Five-Year Residency for Citizenship, Emphasizing Sustainable Integration

Recent Amendments to Germany's Citizenship Act

The German federal government has recently enacted further amendments to its Citizenship Act, officially known as the Act to Modernise Nationality Law (StARModG). These changes, which initially came into effect on June 27, 2024, and were subsequently refined on October 30, 2025, aim to strengthen the connection between naturalisation and sustainable integration within German society. The primary outcome of these latest adjustments is the establishment of a consistent five-year residency requirement for most applicants seeking German citizenship.

Residency Requirements Streamlined

Initially, the June 2024 reforms significantly reduced the general minimum residency period for naturalisation from eight years to five years. This initial reform also introduced a 'fast-track' option, allowing individuals demonstrating exceptional integration to apply after just three years. However, on October 8, 2025, the German Bundestag voted to repeal this three-year fast-track pathway. Consequently, as of October 30, 2025, the minimum residency period for naturalisation is uniformly set at five years, with the previous accelerated route no longer available.

Dual Citizenship and Enhanced Integration Standards

A significant aspect of the June 2024 reforms, which remains unchanged, is the broad allowance for multiple citizenships. Applicants for German citizenship are no longer required to renounce their previous nationality, and German citizens can acquire another nationality without losing their German citizenship. This marks a historic shift in Germany's approach to nationality.

Alongside these changes, the requirements for demonstrating commitment to Germany's free and democratic constitutional system have been made stricter. Prospective citizens must now explicitly commit to upholding democratic values and reject acts motivated by racism, antisemitism, or other forms of hatred. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate:

• Sufficient German language skills (at least B1 level).
• The ability to financially support themselves and their families without relying on public funds.
• A basic understanding of Germany's legal system, society, and way of life.

Impact on Children Born in Germany

The June 2024 amendments also brought significant changes for children born in Germany to foreign parents. The previous 'Option obligation,' which required these children to choose between German and their parents' citizenship upon reaching adulthood, has been abolished. Now, children born in Germany to foreign parents can automatically receive German citizenship and retain their parents' citizenship, provided at least one parent has legally resided in Germany for more than five years and holds a permanent right of residence.

Government Rationale for the Reforms

The German government has emphasized that these amendments are designed to make naturalisation faster and more inclusive, aligning with Germany's modern immigration goals and its need for skilled workers. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated, 'A German passport must be a recognition of successful integration — not an incentive for illegal immigration.' Chancellor Merz further underscored this by saying, 'We will make integration possible, but also require it. Because even and especially where people live together in freedom, there needs to be a common horizon of values and a common language.' The reforms aim to ensure that acquiring citizenship is an expression of a long-term commitment and sustainable integration into German society.