Becoming a German citizen has become easier: All the details in 10 questions

According to reports by DW Türkçe, two major changes have been made with the new Citizenship Law. First, the right to dual citizenship has been expanded to cover everyone, including those of Turkish descent. Previously, with the exception of those from European Union (EU) countries and Switzerland, it was a requirement to renounce one's previous citizenship to acquire German citizenship. Many people were unable to apply for German citizenship due to emotional or financial ties to their home countries.

The new law also significantly shortens the residency requirements for citizenship, reducing them from eight years to five. Furthermore, those who speak German at a very high level—specifically the C1 level—as well as those who contribute to the society in which they live through volunteer activities, are granted the right to apply at the end of the third year due to their "special integration achievements."

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP?

Following the mandatory residency period, the first requirement is language proficiency. Applicants must prove they can speak German at a B1 level. However, exemptions from the written exam have been introduced for the first generation of immigrants, including Turks, who came to the country for work and are now of advanced age.

In addition to the language test, individuals are required to take an integration test consisting of 33 questions about Germany's legal and social structure and must provide at least 17 correct answers. Those who have completed their education in Germany are exempt from this test.

With the exception of individuals with former guest worker status and non-working spouses, those wishing to become German citizens must, in principle, prove that they are not dependent on social welfare and can support themselves economically. This provision closes the door to citizenship for those with low incomes.

A pledge of allegiance to the German constitution is also required. Those involved in antisemitic or xenophobic crimes, or those who disregard gender equality or sexual orientation, will not be granted citizenship. Denying the Holocaust or the right of the State of Israel to exist will also result in the rejection of an application.

- Those who engage in unconstitutional acts after obtaining citizenship may be stripped of their German citizenship if they hold dual nationality. Those involved in serious crimes are denied the right to apply for citizenship.

IS THERE A FEE TO APPLY FOR GERMAN CITIZENSHIP?

Yes. For the year 2024, the application fee is 255 euros per person. A fee of 51 euros must also be paid for each child. Fees may vary from year to year.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION?

The law does not stipulate a deadline for application. Provided that the conditions are met, applications can be made at any time starting from June 27, 2024.

WILL THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY HELD IT BE ABLE TO REACQUIRE IT?

Granting dual citizenship to Turks living in Germany has been one of the most significant topics between Ankara and Berlin for years. With the new regulation, those who lost their Turkish citizenship in the past have found the opportunity to regain it. According to information provided by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, individuals of Turkish origin living in Germany will be able to apply for the "reacquisition of Turkish citizenship" through the consulates general to which they are registered. These individuals will not be required to prove their knowledge of the Turkish language.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yasin Ekrem Serim stated in a speech in May that they expect approximately 600 thousand people who previously renounced their citizenship with permission to apply to regain Turkish citizenship by taking advantage of the new law.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE CHILDREN AND THE FOREIGN SPOUSE?

Parents with children under the age of 18 can obtain Turkish citizenship for themselves and also secure it for their children, or they may apply for citizenship solely for themselves without including their children in the Turkish citizenship process.

If the spouse of a person who has re-acquired Turkish citizenship is a foreign national, they may apply for Turkish citizenship three years after that date.

DO THOSE WITH DUAL CITIZENSHIP HAVE TO PERFORM MILITARY SERVICE?

Mandatory military service was abolished in Germany in 2011. According to information on the Ministry of National Defense's website, those who performed military service in Germany before July 1, 2011, will be considered exempt from military service in Turkey. Others may perform military service by paying in foreign currency or have the right to postpone their military service until the age of 35 at the latest.

On the other hand, the right to dual citizenship in Germany coincided with a period when mandatory military service is being debated. The Christian Union (CDU-CSU) parties, which are expected to come in first in the next election, are in favor of mandatory military service. In such a scenario, it is considered that an agreement between Ankara and Berlin providing for exemption from military service could come to the agenda. Currently, Turkey has exemption agreements with Tunisia and Northern Cyprus.

HOW HAS THE NEW POLICY BEEN RECEIVED IN GERMANY?

The ruling coalition aims to accelerate integration processes and create new labor force opportunities by simplifying citizenship. While introducing the new law, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that it would strengthen Germany's hand in the competition with the US and Canada to attract qualified labor to the country. With a rapidly aging population, Germany is struggling to close its skilled labor gap.

However, debates over the new law, which was voted on and passed in the German parliament, the Bundestag, on January 19, are far from over. The center-right CDU-CSU bloc has stated that they will repeal the regulation if they come to power. In a recent statement, CDU spokesperson Alexander Throm argued that dual citizenship should be "an exceptional right that should only be held by countries that share the same values as Germany." Throm also reacted to the shortening of the residency period, saying, "Five or three years is not enough to tell whether integration has been successful."

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which pursues anti-immigrant policies, also criticizes the law, claiming that citizenship is being "put up for sale for a pittance." The AfD became the country's second-largest party after the CDU/CSU in the European Parliament elections held earlier this month.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SAY?

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, approximately 11 million foreigners live in Germany. It is estimated that 5 million of them have been residing in Germany for at least 10 years.

Last year, more than 200 thousand people from 157 countries were naturalized. Turkish nationals ranked second on the list, following Syria. While those from Syria, Turkey, and Iraq are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries of the new law, there are also comments that interest in German citizenship may increase among British citizens who want to facilitate their access to the EU after Brexit.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP?

With the reduction in residency requirements and the right to dual citizenship, hundreds of thousands of people have become eligible to apply to German authorities overnight. However, a recent study revealed that more than 204,000 citizenship applications are currently awaiting processing in 42 cities. The new situation will further increase the congestion in already busy application centers.

Many application centers across the country, particularly in Berlin, have prepared for the new era by hiring additional staff and digitizing their processes. Nevertheless, it can still take two or even three years for an application to be reviewed and decided upon. It is believed that the citizenship reform will not shorten this duration.