On 27 June 2024, the modernization of the German citizenship law will finally come into force. Among other things, this means that applicants will no longer have to give up their current citizenship in order to obtain German citizenship. Furthermore, an application can be submitted after five years of legal and habitual residence in Germany. The required five years can be reduced to up to three years if proof of German language skills at C1 level and special integration achievements can be provided.
Due to the current heavy workload at the citizenship authorities, which process applications in the order in which they are received, applications should be submitted as early as possible. The new regulations must be taken into account as soon as they come into force, even if they were not yet in force when the application was submitted.
Applicants whose application is already nearing completion can request the responsible citizenship authority to suspend the procedure until the new regulations come into force. The citizenship authority will decide on the suspension of the procedure at its own discretion.
All children born in Germany to foreign parents will acquire German citizenship unconditionally if at least one parent has lived legally in Germany for more than five years and has a permanent residence permit. The option regulation will no longer apply.
The modernization also provides for the lifetime achievements of the so-called guest worker generation to be recognized. Oral proof of German language skills will suffice for them and no naturalization test will be required.
Germans who wish to acquire another citizenship can also retain their German citizenship without further ado. A retention permit will no longer be required once the modernizations come into force.
I would be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice on this topic and support you in applying for German citizenship on the basis of the new regulations.
Created on 05.05.2024