At the beginning of 2024, the German Parliament adopted a new law on citizenship, which greatly simplifies the naturalization procedure in the country. The other day, the document came into force. Find out how the procedure for acquiring a German passport has changed and who may be denied German citizenship in 2024

The new law on citizenship in Germany, which entered into force on June 27, 2024, significantly simplifies the naturalization procedure, and also allows you to keep your previous citizenship when obtaining a German one.

Such changes in the state's migration policy allow more expats to become German citizens, with naturalization rates expected to increase significantly in 2024.

More on the main changes in the procedure for obtaining German citizenship in 2024 in our article.

Who can get German citizenship in 2024?

According to the Minister of the Interior of Germany, Nancy Feser, in 2024, all foreigners who share German values ​​and meet all the criteria will be able to become German citizens.

The main change is that the law will no longer be tolerant of expats who display anti-Semitic, racist or any other malicious behaviour.

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What changes in the German citizenship law came into effect in 2024?

Key changes in the new German citizenship law include the following:

1. Accelerated procedure for obtaining German citizenship

- Expats will have the right to obtain German citizenship after five years of residence in the country, instead of the current eight years of minimum residence.

- For persons who can demonstrate special integration achievements – achievements during study or work or a high level of German language skills – the mandatory period of residence is reduced to three years instead of five.

- For foreigners who are married to German citizens, the waiting period for obtaining German citizenship is reduced to four years.

- Children born in Germany will receive German citizenship automatically if one of the parents has legally resided in Germany for five years prior to birth, instead of the current eight years.

2. The possibility of having several citizenships

- Applicants do not have to renounce the citizenship of their country of origin if they receive a German passport.

- Germans are not obliged to renounce their citizenship when naturalizing abroad.

- Children who obtain German citizenship thanks to this provision will be able to keep their parents' citizenship.

3. Additional questions in the German citizenship test

The new German citizenship test will now include questions on topics such as anti-Semitism, Israel and Jews in Germany.

4. Changes for the generation of guest workers

The generation of guest workers mainly includes Turkish citizens who moved to West Germany in the 1960s.

According to the new law, the significant contribution of this generation to the economic development and cultural diversity of Germany will be recognized. Therefore, former guest workers will no longer need to take the citizenship test, which will further simplify the naturalization process for them.

The requirements for the level of language knowledge will also change, the knowledge of spoken German will be considered sufficient for this group (instead of B1 level).

Who can be denied citizenship under the new German law?

German citizenship will be denied to persons who:

- Are married to several partners or exhibit any behavior that disregards the equal rights of men and women as stated in the German Basic Law.

- They have certain criminal records. In line with Germany's commitment to inclusiveness and upholding democratic values, the new law makes it clear that criminal convictions related to anti-Semitic, racist, xenophobic or inhumane acts are grounds for exclusion from German citizenship.

Changes in German legislation will facilitate the integration of migrants and expats into the country. The German authorities expect that in 2024 the number of applications for obtaining a German passport will increase significantly, which will contribute to the solution of the shortage of personnel and the general development of the country's economy.

Read about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Germany here. The procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Germany is as follows.

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Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To simplify the move to Germany, as well as facilitate the employment procedure, consult a migration specialist.  We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Germany.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

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