Germany | Immigration | Citizenship opportunities

Immigration

On 26 June 2024, the law to modernize the Citizenship Act will come into force and marks a significant change in German citizenship policy.

The number of annual naturalizations stagnated for a long time in Germany as the naturalization hurdles were high. Giving up the current citizenship was the main reason not to apply for a Germany passport. On average, naturalization took place after 15 years, almost twice as long as the legal requirement of eight years. Nevertheless, the number of naturalizations rose to over 168,000 in 2022. With the Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law (STARModG), a flood of new applications is now expected.

The main changes are:

• Acceptance of multiple nationality: The law enables multiple nationality by abolishing the obligation to renounce previous nationality upon naturalization.
• Shortening of prior residence periods: The required period of residence in Germany for the naturalization will be reduced from eight to five years, with further reduction to three years for people with special integration achievements.
• Children of foreign nationals born in Germany automatically receive the German citizenship if one parent has been living legally in Germany for more than five years and has a permanent right of residence.
• Language skills: the B1 level remains in place but exceptions will apply for former guest workers (“Gastarbeiter”) if verbal communication is possible in everyday life.
• Tougher requirements for securing a livelihood: Low earners, “mini-jobbers”, older or sick persons will find it more difficult to meet the legal requirements for naturalization.
• Further adjusted requirements: The German authorities will examine the attitude towards equal rights for men and women, the free democratic basic order. A commitment to the protection of Jewish life is also required.

Impact on ongoing proceedings 
For ongoing procedures, the legal situation at the time of the decision of the application is generally relevant. Applications submitted before 27 June 2024 will therefore also benefit from the more favourable regulations on shortened naturalization periods or dual citizenship.

How long does naturalization in Germany take?
The proceses are already delayed due to the high number of applications submitted in the last 10 months. The government expects a significant increase of applications in the coming months. Accordingly processing times can increase to more than 12 months.

How we can help
The changes represent a great opportunity for foreign nationals, especially high skilled workers in Germany to obtain the German citizenship which in turn gives them EU free movement rights as well. We support our clients by advising them of their eligibility and guiding them through the entire process.

Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Mostafa Massoud
Rechtsanwalt (Lawyer)

Inga Mayer
Rechtsanwältin (Lawyer)

Eva Witt
Rechtsanwältin (Lawyer)

Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com

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Contact us on the following address: de_vialto_visa-immigration@vialto.com

Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

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Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com

Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

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