Twelve million residents in Germany can now apply for citizenship following the implementation of the new citizenship law on Thursday. The German citizenship allows holders various benefits, including nearly free travel to most countries worldwide, residency and work in European countries, as well as political rights as voters and candidates. However, the new law has set specific conditions for beneficiaries, which include:
1. **Fast Track**
Residents who have legally lived in Germany for five years can apply for German citizenship after making "special efforts for integration." They can naturalize after three years if they demonstrate high language skills (C1 level, or the ability to express themselves fluently), volunteer work, or excel in school and work. Foreigners can only apply for citizenship after eight years at the earliest.
2. **Financial Independence**
Those wishing to become German citizens must have the ability to support themselves, meaning they should not be receiving state aid. The new law tightens conditions, making it more difficult for those with no income or low-income individuals to obtain citizenship in the future.
3. **No Citizenship for Racists and Antisemites**
Commitment to the free democratic order as stated in the German constitution is a fundamental requirement for applicants seeking a German passport, excluding antisemites, racists, and others involved in inhumane acts. Those opposing gender equality and individuals married to more than one woman may also lose the opportunity to obtain a German passport.
4. **Historical Responsibility**
The new law acknowledges Germany's specific historical responsibility; thus, those who obtain citizenship must adhere to the prohibition against waging aggressive wars.
5. **Revocation of German Passport**
The new law allows for the revocation of citizenship from naturalized individuals within ten years if it is discovered that they provided false information during the naturalization process. Those who do not take Germany's historical responsibility seriously, such as by spreading antisemitic hate messages, will lose their citizenship.
6. **Dual Citizenship for All**
The new law permits naturalized individuals to retain their previous citizenship to accommodate those with strong ties to their home country, prioritizing language skills, education, and commitment to democracy over holding a non-German passport.
7. **Eased Conditions for Guest Workers**
The new law relaxes naturalization conditions for "guest workers" who arrived in West Germany between 1955 and 1972, and "contract workers" from former East Germany, in recognition of their significant contributions to the nation's development. Eased conditions include language skills and exemption from the naturalization test.
8. **Benefits for Children**
Children born to foreign parents can acquire German citizenship if one parent has legally resided in the country for more than five years. The new citizenship law will not apply retroactively, meaning only children born after June 27, 2024, will benefit from this provision.
