Indians Can Now Get German Citizenship Faster; Know How

The German parliament has passed a law that eases the rules on acquiring German citizenship to improve the integration of immigrants and help attract skilled workers. The law has also removed restrictions on holding dual citizenship. 

The government highlights that nearly 12 million people, or 14% of the total population of 84.4 million, don’t have German citizenship.  

Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany, said in a video message that, at a time of mounting concern over immigration, “we are telling all those who often have lived and worked for decades in Germany, who keep to our laws: You belong in Germany," adding that the reform means that no one will have to “deny his roots".

Major Changes

Under the new legislation, individuals can qualify for citizenship after residing in Germany for five years, or three years, in the case of "special integration accomplishments," compared to the current requirements of eight or six years, respectively. German-born children will automatically acquire citizenship if one parent has been a legal resident for five years, a reduction from the previous eight years.

Skilled workers can bring their parents or parents-in-law to Germany if their residency permits remain in effect after March 2024. This modification aims to enhance the environment that attracts skilled people to Germany while recognizing the importance of family ties' importance.