Germany To End Fast-Track Citizenship as New Coalition Takes Over

Germany’s incoming coalition government has announced plans to abolish the three-year fast-track route to citizenship for well-integrated immigrants. The measure, introduced last June under the previous SPD-Greens-FDP government, allowed qualified applicants to become citizens after just three years of residency.

Under the new agreement between the center-right CDU/CSU bloc and the center-left SPD, this accelerated path will be scrapped. Critics within the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, had long opposed the policy, branding it “turbo naturalization” and arguing that three years was insufficient for full integration.

The fast-track option required immigrants to demonstrate C1-level German proficiency along with notable integration achievements, including community service, academic excellence, or professional success.

Despite the rollback, the standard five-year naturalization route remains unchanged. Applicants must still meet existing criteria, including a B1 language requirement and continuous legal residence in the country.

Meanwhile, the coalition has decided to retain provisions for dual citizenship. Previously restricted for non-EU nationals, dual citizenship became legal under reforms passed last year, triggering a sharp increase in applications — particularly among Germany’s sizable Turkish diaspora.

Though CDU leader and likely incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced opposition to dual nationality, the issue appears to have been a point of compromise in coalition negotiations with the SPD.