German dual citizenship overhaul: 5 things you need to know about nationality law changes now going into effect.
- Dual citizenship is now allowed: For the first time, German nationality law officially permits multiple citizenships for all applicants. You no longer have to renounce your old passport to become German.
- Residency requirement slashed from 8 to 5 years: The standard waiting period for naturalization has been cut to 5 years. Applicants with special integration achievements can apply in just 3 years.
- Faster path for the 'Guest Worker' generation: Older foreign workers who arrived before 1974 can naturalize under relaxed rules, including no written German test requirement.
- Children born in Germany automatically get dual citizenship: Under the new nationality law, kids of foreign parents born in Germany will not have to choose between their parents' citizenship and a German passport.
- Clear new rules reduce bureaucracy: The reform explicitly states that holding dual citizenship is no longer a 'special exception' but a standard outcome, cutting down on confusing applications and long wait times.