It will become easier for Ukrainian refugees to obtain German citizenship

Main photo: Jochen Eckel/picture alliance

On June 27, a new law came into force in Germany, facilitating accelerated citizenship acquisition for foreigners and allowing them to retain their original passports

The new law potentially affects several million foreigners living in Germany, including more than a million Ukrainian refugees, reports Deutsche Welle.

From now on, foreigners need to have legally resided in Germany for just five years, instead of the previous eight, to be eligible for German citizenship. Moreover, foreigners who obtain German citizenship under the new law will be allowed to retain their original passport(s). Previously, only holders of EU passports could keep their original citizenship.

Children of foreigners will automatically receive German citizenship if at least one parent has lived in the country for at least five years. However, this will only apply to children born after June 27, 2024.

Under special integration achievements, foreigners can qualify for German citizenship after just three years of legal residence. This requires demonstrating excellent German language skills (level C1) and participating in volunteer activities or having notable professional achievements.

Additionally, those married to a German citizen can apply for citizenship after three years without any additional conditions.

Applicants for German citizenship under the new law must support themselves and their families without relying on state social benefits. Exceptions may be made for those who recently became unemployed but had worked full-time for at least 20 months in the previous two years.

Another restriction applies to individuals who engage in "anti-Semitic, racist, or other actions that violate human dignity." They will be denied citizenship, and their citizenship can be revoked within 10 years of obtaining it for these reasons.

Estimates suggest that between 8 million and 12 million foreigners who have lived in Germany for at least five years can now apply for a German passport.