The Christian Democratic Union faction has proposed tightening the rules for obtaining German citizenship: abolishing the ability to retain a previous citizenship, raising language and financial independence requirements. For now this is a political statement, not a bill: passing changes will require parliamentary support and a separate draft law.
What applies now
Today the standard naturalization period in Germany is 5 years of legal residence. The applicant must demonstrate German language proficiency at B1 level (intermediate), knowledge of the country’s legal and social system, and financial ability to support themselves and family members without social benefits.
The current citizenship law allows retaining a previous citizenship upon naturalization. This is one of the key reforms of 2024, which reduced the residence requirement from 8 years to 5 years.
The three-year accelerated naturalization path for people with special integration achievements and German at C1 level (advanced) was abolished in October 2025. The Bundestag passed this change on October 8, and the new rule took effect on October 30.
What the CDU is proposing
Deputy faction leader Günter Krings has floated the idea of reinstating the requirement to renounce a previous citizenship upon naturalization. In addition, raising the language bar and stricter assessment of applicants’ financial independence are being discussed.
A demand to distance oneself from antisemitism was also voiced, but these statements remain political proposals and have not yet been drafted as a government bill.
The law already requires loyalty to democracy
The current citizenship law already contains a number of requirements that are sometimes attributed to new CDU initiatives. Applicants must affirm commitment to the free democratic order and recognize Germany’s special historical responsibility, including the protection of Jewish life.
The law explicitly states that antisemitic, racist and other inhumane acts are incompatible with human dignity and the democratic order. This is already an existing rule, not a new opposition initiative.
Why the issue has intensified
In the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, 2024, the Alternative for Germany party received 43.8% of the vote, while the CDU got only 17.2%. The result intensified the political debate over migration and citizenship.
Amid the discussion, statistics are often cited: in 2025, foreigners acquired German citizenship 332,500 times — 14% more than the year before. According to preliminary data from Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, this is a record since statistics began in 2000. The 2024 reform did indeed simplify naturalization: the standard period was shortened, and multiple citizenship became permissible.
How decisions will be made
The chancellor cannot change the citizenship law independently. Passing changes requires parliamentary support and a separate bill. The coalition agreement between CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party provides for clarifying citizenship rules and uniform practice, but does not establish an outright ban on multiple citizenship.
The issue will require negotiations between parties and a separate bill.
What applicants should rely on
For those already living in Germany and planning to apply for naturalization, the practical reference point is the current version of the citizenship law, not political statements.
When preparing, check your residence period, type of residence permit, language level, income, and document readiness. If the rules change, what will matter is the text of the adopted law, its effective date, and transitional provisions.
The abolition of the accelerated three-year path in 2025 shows why timelines and case status should be assessed individually. There is also an important nuance for Germans considering a second citizenship: the current law no longer provides for automatic loss of German citizenship upon acquiring another one (Article 25 has been repealed). Any possible reinstatement of this restriction would require a separate change to the law.
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