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New German Citizenship Law 2024: What You Need to Know

In a historic move, the German Bundestag has approved extensive changes to the nation’s citizenship law, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and flexibility. It now needs to be accepted by the German Bundesrat before it can be fully implemented. However, should the law pass as it is, residents in Germany will soon be able to apply for German citizenship after five years of residency, a notable reduction from the previous requirement of eight years. In some exceptional cases, it will be possible for individuals to apply for German citizenship after three years. Furthermore, the new law should lead to a substantial transformation in the landscape of German dual citizenship law, carrying considerable implications for residents and their families.

In light of these developments, it is crucial to seek guidance from German citizenship lawyers to comprehend the implications of German and dual citizenship fully. The experienced citizenship law team at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte stands ready to provide expert advice on these matters. Our lawyers advise on all aspects of German citizenship, including gaining German citizenship by descent, German citizenship by residency, dual citizenship, and much more. We provide full-service support to those involved in such cases.

Fundamental Changes in the New German Citizenship Law

The recently accepted changes in German citizenship law by the Bundestag should bring about fundamental shifts, notably in the residency requirement for obtaining German citizenship. Instead of the previous eight-year minimum stay, the revised legislation mandates a reduced residency period of five years. This adjustment aims to expedite the naturalisation process, allowing eligible residents to attain citizenship sooner and fostering a stronger sense of belonging and integration within German society.

Author - Aykut Elseven

Aykut Elseven is Managing Partner of Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB. He advises and represents clients in Germany but also worldwide as an expert in business immigration and extradition law.