TODAY: Dual Citizenship Law Comes into Force in Germany
TODAY: Dual Citizenship Law Comes into Force in Germany
The day that many internationals in Germany have been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived. Today, June 27, 2024, the country’s new dual citizenship law comes into effect. This landmark reform represents a significant step towards modernizing Germany’s approach to citizenship and acknowledging the diverse fabric of its population. After a long and rocky road to implementation, every step of which was covered in detail by IamExpat, Germany’s dual citizenship law is now a reality.
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Key Highlights of the New Law:
Eligibility for Citizenship:
General Rule: Individuals who have resided in Germany for five years can now apply for a German passport. This applies to both temporary and permanent residents.
Accelerated Path: Those who demonstrate impressive achievements in their work or volunteering roles and possess a C1 level of German can apply for citizenship after just three years.
Dual Citizenship:
Retention of Original Nationality: Applicants will now be able to retain their original nationality, enabling dual citizenship. This was previously restricted to EU citizens, refugees, and those who gained citizenship through ancestry.
Specific Groups:
Children and Gastarbeiter: The law has relaxed the requirements for children and members of the “Gastarbeiter” generation.
Benefits Clause: On the flip side, the law tightens eligibility for individuals claiming certain benefits such as Arbeitslosengeld or Bürgergeld.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) highlighted the significance of this reform, stating that it was a "recognition of a modern Germany" and would strengthen the country's position internationally. Faeser emphasized that previous debates about citizenship had often been characterized by exclusion and propaganda, affecting those who have lived and worked in Germany for many years without being able to fully belong. The new reform, she said, demonstrates that "you belong to Germany."
Expected Impact on Different Nationalities:
Syrians: In 2023, Syrians became the largest group of newly naturalized citizens in Germany, overtaking the Turkish population. Many Syrians who arrived around 2015 are now eligible for citizenship.
Turkish Community: With the new law, there is an expectation of around 50,000 Turkish citizens applying for German citizenship annually.
British Nationals: Post-Brexit, many UK citizens are keen to regain EU citizenship through Germany.
Ukrainians: Although many intend to return home, a significant number of Ukrainian refugees might apply for German citizenship before doing so.
Since the law has been in the works for a while, processing times are slow, and the number of citizenship applications is already increasing. In 2023, Germany recorded the highest number of naturalizations in 23 years, reflecting the growing interest in acquiring German citizenship.
Administrative Challenges:
The introduction of the new law has led to a surge in citizenship test applications, particularly overwhelming Berlin's 12 adult education centers (Volkshochschulen). Despite increasing appointments and hiring more staff, these centers are struggling to meet the demand. The process involves several steps:
Test Registration: Applicants must register in person, and their registration is sent to Nuremberg.
Test Composition: Nuremberg assembles a test of 30 questions from a bank of 300, plus three questions specific to Berlin.
Grading and Results: Completed tests are returned to Nuremberg for grading, which can take up to eight weeks.
In 2022, 9,000 residents were naturalized in Berlin, and with the new law, the Berlin Senate expects the annual figure to jump to 20,000 by the end of 2024. However, not everyone must take a citizenship test. Exemptions include individuals with degrees in relevant fields from German universities, those who completed vocational training, or anyone who studied at a German high school.
Political Landscape:
The new dual citizenship law has faced opposition, particularly from the CDU/CSU party. They have pledged to overturn the law if re-elected in the 2025 elections, arguing that dual citizenship should be an exception and citing concerns over integration and national security. Alexander Throm, a representative of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, stated, “Dual citizenship must remain the exception and be limited to countries that share our values.” He pointed to recent events and rising extremism as reasons for caution. Despite the current government's support for the law, the political future remains uncertain, with CDU/CSU currently leading in polls.
Applying for German Citizenship in Berlin:
Berlin has streamlined the process for applying for German citizenship with the introduction of an online portal. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply under the new regulations:
Required Documents:
Identification:
Current passport
Residence permit
Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
Proof of Residence:
Permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
Language Proficiency:
B1 German certificate
Employment Verification:
Proof of employment (Arbeitsbescheinigung)
Work contract
Last three payslips
Health Insurance:
Proof of health insurance (Krankenversicherung) and care insurance (Pflegeversicherung)
Housing:
Proof of rent payments (bank statements)
Additional Documents:
Citizenship test certificate (Einbürgerungstest)
Application Process:
Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents and ensure they are high-quality scans.
Online Form: Fill out the application form on the Berlin citizenship application portal. Use your electronic ID for verification if available.
Submission: Upload documents, verify details, and pay the application fee of €255 via PayPal or credit card.
Processing: After submission, expect a long wait before receiving a case number and further instructions.
The new dual citizenship law is a landmark reform that promises to reshape the landscape for many immigrants in Germany. It offers greater stability and integration opportunities by allowing dual citizenship and reducing the residency requirements for naturalization. However, the law's future remains uncertain due to political opposition. Meanwhile, the practical implementation of the law presents significant administrative challenges, particularly in handling the surge in applications and citizenship tests. This new law and streamlined process aim to make it easier for long-term residents to fully integrate and participate in German society, reflecting a more inclusive approach to citizenship in a modern Germany.
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