Germany’s new citizenship reform, set to come into effect on June 27, introduces significant changes to the naturalization process, making it possible for immigrants to become citizens in as little as three years, Schengen News reported.

Introduced by the center-left coalition government, the reform aims to recognize the contributions of immigrants and promote integration within German society.

For the first time, Germany will allow multiple citizenships as a standard practice, moving away from its previous restrictive approach. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the reform’s importance, stating, “Finally, our law is doing justice to our diverse society. The message is very clear: You belong to Germany!”

In 2022, Germany naturalized 168,545 people, a mere 3.1% of the foreign nationals residing in the country for over a decade, the report added. The new reform is expected to significantly boost these numbers as it simplifies the naturalization process and introduces several key changes.

Among these changes include the fact that applicants no longer need to relinquish their previous nationality to acquire German citizenship.

In addition, residency requirements for naturalization have been reduced from eight years to five years. Special achievements in integration could further reduce this period to three years.

Under the new reform, children born in Germany to foreign parents will automatically receive German citizenship if at least one parent has been legally residing in Germany for over five years with permanent residency.

The reform acknowledges the contributions of the guest worker generation, particularly Turkish workers who moved to Germany in the 1960s. These individuals can now gain citizenship without a naturalization test, provided they demonstrate oral language skills.

However, applicants must commit to Germany’s democratic principles and reject any form of antisemitism, racism, or inhumane acts. The naturalization test will now include questions to reflect this commitment.

Opposition parties, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Christian Democrats (CDU), have criticized the reform, claiming it devalues the German passport. However, the government maintains in its statement the belief that the reform will enhance integration and reflect Germany’s evolving societal landscape.

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