Germany ends 3-year fast track citizenship programme for foreign residents
Germany has not closed its doors to new citizens, but has chosen to ‘open them more slowly’ by ending its three-year fast track citizenship programme, while making it five years.
The decision reflects growing public unease over migration pressures across Europe, with concerns about the strain on housing, education, and public services fuelling political tension.
The pathway which was intended to enable well-integrated foreign residents to obtain citizenship in just three years, was rarely used. Of the roughly 300,000 naturalisations recorded in 2024, only a few hundred were granted under the fast-track clause.
The decision to close the fast-track pathway, represents a significant shift in the country’s approach to immigration and integration, signalling a firmer stance from the government led by Friedrich Merz, chancellor.
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A shift in citizenship policy
The programme was introduced under Olaf Scholz, the former chancellors’ coalition government to reward exceptional integration. It allowed foreign nationals who demonstrated advanced language skills, civic engagement, or strong professional or academic achievements to apply for citizenship after only three years.
The fast-track route was designed to make Germany more attractive to skilled professionals already contributing to society. Applicants had to show advanced proficiency in German, evidence of voluntary or civic participation, and a strong professional or academic performance.However, Merz’s administration argued that citizenship should be the result of successful integration, not a tool to encourage migration.
“A German passport must come as recognition of a successful integration process, not as an incentive for illegal immigration,” Alexander Dobrindt, Germany’s interior minister told lawmakers. This sentiment boosted the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which gained traction by calling for stricter immigration controls.
Now members of the coalition have defended the reversal, arguing the clause had minimal effect. “Its removal doesn’t change the essence of the citizenship law,” a German lawmaker noted.
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Broader implications
Despite tightening its rules, Germany continues to face a demographic challenge. The ageing population and labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and technology remain critical concerns.
Critics warn that eliminating the fast-track pathway could make Germany less competitive in attracting international talent at a time when countries like Canada and Australia are streamlining citizenship processes.
Filiz Polat, Member of Parliament (MP) warned, “Germany is competing for the best minds in the world. If those people choose Germany, we should do everything possible to keep them.”
What changes for immigrants
Under the new framework, the three-year fast-track route is abolished, meaning that all applicants must now follow the standard process.
The five-year route remains available to those who meet integration and language requirements.
The dual citizenship route is still permitted, allowing immigrants to retain their original nationality.
The road ahead
For most immigrants, the pathway to citizenship now takes five years, or eight years for those who do not meet the integration benchmarks. While the government has removed the accelerated route, other reforms from the Scholz era, such as allowing dual citizenship and simplifying applications remain in place.
