German Citizenship Reform: Fast-Track Naturalization to Be Revoked by New Government

Germany's incoming government coalition has announced plans to revoke the three-year path to citizenship, a key provision introduced by the previous administration. According to DW, the final version of the 144-page coalition agreement was published on April 9, 2025, after negotiations began in March.

The agreement was signed by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). It includes broad policy shifts, including tax cuts starting in 2028, the introduction of voluntary military service, and a reduction in international aid spending. One of its central focuses is tighter migration control.

Key Change: Ending the Three-Year Citizenship Path

A major provision of the deal is the reversal of fast-track naturalization, which had allowed certain highly integrated foreigners to apply for German citizenship after just three years of legal residence. This option, introduced by the previous government on June 27, 2024 (BMI source), required language proficiency at C1 level, stable income, no criminal record, and active civic participation.

The standard naturalization period had been reduced to five years, and dual citizenship was allowed. Applications could also be submitted online. While these provisions technically remain in place, the new government intends to revoke the fast-track option.

Broader Migration Clampdown

The new agreement proposes:

A two-year suspension of family reunification

An end to voluntary refugee resettlement programs

An expanded list of “safe countries” for deportation

Tighter border controls, even for asylum seekers

CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who is set to become Chancellor on May 7, said that unauthorized migration must end and promised increased repatriation efforts.

"We will introduce full border checks and deny entry to certain asylum applicants," he stated.

SPD’s Balancing Act

SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil emphasized the need for economic strength, social cohesion, and workers’ rights, insisting that Germany will remain an immigration country and uphold the right to asylum. Still, the SPD supported the suspension of the fast-track citizenship option.

Political & Public Reaction

DW notes that CDU/CSU support dropped to 24–27% amid the long coalition talks. They won 28.5% in the February snap elections but are now polling near the right-wing AfD. SPD support stands at 15–16%, down from 16.4%.

According to Insa’s Hermann Binkert, voters are frustrated by broken campaign promises, especially those related to naturalization and migration.

The coalition agreement is still pending approval by party members. If enacted, it would mark a clear shift away from liberal migration reform. At the same time, Germany is debating stripping citizenship for antisemitism and faces public pressure after multiple violent incidents involving migrants.

Contradictions and Labor Shortage

Germany had previously encouraged integration and citizenship, and naturalizations peaked at 200,000 in 2023, a 31% increase over 2022. Most new citizens were from Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. In 2024, the number dropped to 122,882.

Experts warn that reversing integration reforms could harm long-term growth. According to the German Economic Institute (IW), the country may face a labor shortage of up to 7 million workers by 2035 (Spiegel).

Although immigration is still critical to the economy, Germany’s labor market entered technical recession in late 2024, with layoffs and falling demand for specialists reported in early 2025 (DW).