logo
Germany to end 3-year citizenship option for migrants; 5-year path to stay

Germany to end 3-year citizenship option for migrants; 5-year path to stay

Germany is preparing to end a policy that allows well-integrated migrants to apply for citizenship after just three years of residency. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is expected to present a bill that would roll back the fast-track option introduced by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Three-year naturalisation process to go
Speaking to Bild, a German newspaper, Dobrindt said, 'Express naturalisation after three years of residency was a mistake. We are putting an end to it now. German citizenship must come at the end of an integration process and not at the beginning.'
The measure was brought in last June by the previous coalition government of the SPD, the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party. It allowed residents to apply for German citizenship after three years if they had advanced German language skills—level C1—and could show strong achievements in integrating into German society, such as volunteer work or professional success.
Under the existing system:
1. Residents with C1-level German and other strong achievements can apply after three years.
2. Most permanent residents can apply after five years with B1-level German and knowledge of German history.
Skilled worker shortages remain
Germany's decision comes despite ongoing labour shortages across several sectors. Business groups have repeatedly urged the government to make it easier for foreign professionals to settle in Germany.
In April, German Ambassador to India Dr Philipp Ackermann spoke about Germany's need for skilled workers. At the launch of the Global Access to Talent from India (GATI) Foundation in New Delhi, he said, 'Our government has very clearly identified a need for about 500,000 skilled workers per year across all sectors—not just the top levels but also at the apprenticeship level. We need bakers, butchers, plumbers—people across the skills spectrum.'
Ackermann also spoke about the new 'Opportunity Card', a points-based system allowing individuals to apply for a visa without a prior job offer if they meet the criteria. 'Currently, we issue about 20,000 to 25,000 skilled worker visas a year. That's not enough. We need more—but also the right kind of migration, with skilled, motivated candidates,' he said.
What remains unchanged for migrants
* The 5-year residency route to citizenship remains in place.
* Applicants must have an intermediate B1 level of German.
* Dual citizenship is still permitted.
Indians planning to work in Germany should note that the country remains open to skilled professionals, despite plans to scrap the expedited naturalisation route.
With 273,000 people of Indian origin—including expatriates and German citizens—already residing in the country, Indians represent the second-largest South, South East, East, or Central Asian community in Germany after Afghanistan.
In October 2024, Germany announced plans to issue over 10% more professional visas in 2025 to combat labour shortages. On November 17, the government confirmed it will issue 200,000 professional visas next year. Of these, 90,000 will be allocated to Indian skilled workers, a significant increase from the previous cap of 20,000.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Unparalleled courage': Tributes pour in as India marks Kargil Vijay Diwas
‘Unparalleled courage': Tributes pour in as India marks Kargil Vijay Diwas

Hindustan Times

time4 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

‘Unparalleled courage': Tributes pour in as India marks Kargil Vijay Diwas

The nation is celebrating the Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, and tributes pour in from all across the political spectrum to honour the sacrifice and valour of the armed forces. New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt. General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh pay tribute to the Kargil War martyrs at the National War Memorial on the 26th anniversary of the 'Kargil Vijay Diwas', in New Delhi, Saturday.(PTI) Several top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, wished the country a happy Kargil Vijay Diwas. Tributes pour in on Kargil Diwas President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday extended her greetings on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens," the President posted on X. PM Narendra Modi said the occasion was a reminder of the unparalleled courage and valour of the Armed Forces. 'Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Jai Hind!' Modi wrote on X. Rajnath Singh also joined the celebration of Kargil Vijay Diwas, calling the soldiers' supreme sacrifices a 'timeless reminder' of the unwavering resolve of India's Armed Forces. 'On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation's honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces. India shall remain forever indebted to their service,' the defence minister wrote on social media. The leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, also took to X and shared his thoughts on Kargil Vijay Diwas. 'On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War. Their unflinching courage and valour will forever inspire generations. Jai Hind,' the Congress President wrote. The leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also shared a note, saying the country will forever be indebted to the martyrs and their families. 'On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer my heartfelt tributes and countless salutations to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation. India will forever remain indebted to them and their families. Jai Hind!' Gandhi wrote on X. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistani intruders in the 1999 Kargil conflict. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and unyielding spirit of the Indian Armed Forces.

Operation Sindoor strikes sent clear message to Pakistan: Army chief Upendra Dwivedi
Operation Sindoor strikes sent clear message to Pakistan: Army chief Upendra Dwivedi

The Hindu

time6 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Operation Sindoor strikes sent clear message to Pakistan: Army chief Upendra Dwivedi

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday (July 26, 2025) said that the surgical strikes carried out during Operation Sindoor were a clear message to Pakistan that supporters of terrorism will not be spared. 'Operation Sindoor was a message to Pakistan as well as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which was a deep wound for the entire nation. This time India did not only mourn but showed that the response will be decisive,' Gen Dwivedi said at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. Addressing a gathering on Vijay Diwas, the Chief of Army Staff said a stern response to the adversary was the new normal established by India. 'The faith shown by the countrymen and the free hand given by the government, the Indian Army gave a befitting surgical response. Any power that tries to challenge the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India or harm the people will be given a befitting reply. This is the new normal of India,' he said. Gen Dwivedi said that during Operation Sindoor, the army eliminated nine high-value terrorist targets in Pakistan with zero collateral damage. 'India attained a decisive victory by effective targeting of terror infrastructure in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The army targeted the terrorist infrastructure and foiled the other aggressive moves of Pakistan to attain a decisive victory,' he said. Gen. Dwivedi said Indian gave peace a chance, but Pakistan resorted to cowardice. 'The Pakistani action on May 8 and 9 was responded to effectively. Our army air defence stood like an impregnable wall which could not be breached by any missile or drones,' he said. He said the Indian Army is on its way to becoming a force to reckon with in the world. 'Rudra, all of brigade, is being established for which I gave an approval yesterday. Under this, we will have infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured units, artillery, special forces and unmanned aerial units at one place to provide logistics and combat support,' he said. The army has formed a special strike force Bhairav Light Commando Unit, which is 'always ready to surprise the enemy at the border.' Gen. Dwivedi said, 'Every infantry battalion now has a drone platoon. In the artillery, the Shaktiban regiment has been set up, which will be equipped with a drone, counter-drone, and loiter munition. Every regiment will have a composite battery equipped with these things.' The Army Chief said our capability will increase manifold in coming days as we are equipping the army air defence systems with indigenous missiles. Recalling the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the silver jubilee celebrations last year, the military chief said the presence of top leaders shows that it is not only an army day but a festival for the entire nation. 'The nation is safe due to the sacrifices made by the heroes at the icy heights. We remember their dedication and determination, and we bow to the brave heroes who laid down their lives so that we can live a peaceful life with dignity,' he added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store