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Germany Reverts Citizenship Law: 5-Year Wait Restored

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Bundestag repealed the fast-track citizenship law that allowed citizenship after three years of residency.
The measure was introduced by the previous Social Democratic Party (SPD)-led government to attract skilled workers.
Chancellor Merz's CDU and the AfD criticized the measure.
The new coalition, including the CDU and CSU, restored a five-year waiting period for citizenship, while uptake remained limited to 13%.

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Story summary

The Bundestag repealed the fast-track citizenship law that allowed citizenship after three years of residency.
The measure was introduced by the previous Social Democratic Party (SPD)-led government to attract skilled workers.
Chancellor Merz's CDU and the AfD criticized the measure.
The new coalition, including the CDU and CSU, restored a five-year waiting period for citizenship, while uptake remained limited to 13%.