migration
Cabinet approves lower hurdles for naturalization
The cabinet approved a law by Interior Minister Faeser that not only lowers requirements but also allows multiple nationalities. However, conditions for economic and democratic integration continue to apply to naturalization. photo
© Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
The cabinet has passed a law to simplify naturalization. Germany should also become more attractive as a location for specialists from abroad.
Those who are well integrated should be able to get a German passport more easily in the future. On Wednesday, the cabinet approved a law by Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) that not only lowers requirements but also allows multiple nationalities. For the However, conditions for economic and democratic integration continue to apply to naturalization.
With the reform, the federal government wants to make Germany more attractive for skilled workers, among other things. At the same time, it should provide incentives to gain a better foothold in this country and to settle into the community.
“We will only attract the best minds in the world if they can become a full part of our society in the foreseeable future – with all democratic rights,” said Faeser. Modern citizenship law is a crucial key to Germany’s competitiveness.
At the same time, the reform decided by the cabinet should ensure participation. “We want people who have long been part of our society to be able to help shape our country democratically,” said Faeser. “Because our democracy thrives on everyone taking part. Our democracy needs people who stand up for it and make it strong.”
In principle, it should be possible to apply for a German passport after five years of residence. Whoever wants to be naturalized must at the same time commit to the values of a free society. People who have committed crimes with anti-Semitic or racist motives are therefore expressly excluded. A prerequisite should also be that you can generally earn your living without social benefits.
After the decision in the cabinet, the draft law is forwarded to the Bundestag. It can only come into force if Parliament approves it.