Germany ends ‘Turbo Citizenship’ – Africans get 5-year new law
Germany has scrapped its ‘Turbo Citizenship’ policy and introduced a new 5-year citizenship law. Here’s how the change impacts Africans seeking EU residency and passports.
Wakawaka Doctor reports that Germany has formally abolished its accelerated naturalisation rule that previously allowed highly integrated foreigners to obtain citizenship after just three years.
This reversal comes under the new centre-right CDU/CSU government, undoing the 2024 reform introduced by the centre-left coalition (SPD–Greens–FDP).
Germany: Citizenship Eligibility Affects Africans Seeking EU Residency
The updated policy requires foreign nationals to reside in Germany for a minimum of five years before qualifying for citizenship, regardless of language skills or level of integration.
Key requirements such as dual citizenship allowance, proof of financial independence, language proficiency, and community involvement remain unchanged.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt explained that the “turbo-naturalisation” scheme sent the wrong message, implying German passports were “offered in a special deal” and encouraging migration based on convenience rather than genuine integration.
Experts note that only about 13% of foreigners previously met the fast-track criteria, suggesting a limited direct impact.
However, analysts emphasise that Germany’s main challenges lie in bureaucratic delays and a shortage of skilled labour rather than in citizenship processing speed.
Critics, including the Greens party, warn that slowing citizenship could deter qualified migrants during a critical period of labour demand.
While Germany continues to welcome skilled workers and migrants under its new immigration laws, the slower path to citizenship may influence Africans and other foreign nationals planning long-term settlement and career prospects in the country.
