3-Year Fast-Track to German Citizenship Cancelled; 5-Year Path Now Mandatory
Germany has officially ended the Turbo-Einbürgerung (fast-track citizenship), which allowed highly integrated migrants to apply after just three years. All applicants now must wait the standard five years of legal residence, though dual citizenship remains permitted.
The German government has formally repealed the three-year accelerated naturalisation pathway that was introduced in June 2024, effective October 30, 2025. Under the old rule, foreign residents who demonstrated "special integration achievements"—such as C1-level German language proficiency, civic engagement, or strong professional performance—could apply for German citizenship after just three years instead of the standard five years.
What Changed
As of the repeal, all applicants must now meet the five-year lawful residence requirement with no expedited alternative. There are no transitional provisions: applications already submitted under the three-year rule are now assessed under the new five-year standard.
The government cited the need for a proper temporal distance between permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis, typically granted after five years) and citizenship. Officials stated that naturalization should mark the end of the integration process, not the beginning.
What Remains in Place
The June 2024 reforms that shortened the standard residency requirement from eight to five years are still active. Dual citizenship is permitted for all applicants—no renunciation of original nationality is required. The language requirement remains B1 German, and applicants must pass the Einbürgerungstest (citizenship test) unless they hold a German school-leaving certificate.
One narrow exception survives: spouses of German citizens may still naturalize after three years of marriage and three years of residence.
If you've been living in Germany and were counting on the three-year route, immediately shift your planning to the five-year standard. Focus on documenting your B1 German proficiency, financial self-sufficiency, and clean criminal record. If you have an existing application from before October 30, 2025, contact your Einbürgerungsbehörde to confirm how it will be assessed under the new rules.
Sources
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