Lawyer: Is it still possible to apply for turbo naturalization in Germany? (2025)

The so-called "Turbo-Einbürgerung" (Turbo Naturalization) allows foreign nationals to apply for German citizenship after just three years of residence in Germany – provided they demonstrate particularly successful integration (e.g., through excellent German language skills (C1), financial independence, and social commitment). This regulation was introduced by the last federal government and was intended to make Germany more attractive to well-integrated skilled workers and to reward previously well-integrated foreigners.

Turbo naturalization on the brink

What sounds like social progress, however, is set to be reversed by the new government . The current federal government has announced that it will abolish the "quick naturalization" program. The political tone toward migration has become significantly harsher as a result . The naturalization practice in Berlin has come under particular criticism. Although the decision to abolish the "quick naturalization" program was postponed until after the summer recess in the Bundestag , many observers are clear: the regulation will most likely be abolished after the summer recess.

Application alone is not enough – the timing of the decision is crucial

From a legal perspective, the abolition of the accelerated naturalization process will result in the rejection of previously submitted applications . A widespread misconception is that it is sufficient to submit the application before the law changes. In fact, however, it is not the time of application that is legally decisive, but rather the time of the naturalization decision. This means that anyone who submits an application now will only benefit from the accelerated naturalization process if the authorities make a decision before the abolition .

Realistic assessment from a legal perspective

It's unrealistic that a decision on applications for turbo naturalization will be made before the abolition of the law. In Berlin, the average processing time for naturalization applications is several months. Even with legal assistance, the process can only be shortened to a limited extent:

• Only after at least three months of inactivity is an action for failure to act possible.

• This lawsuit will then take another 3 to 6 months unless a settlement is reached.

• However, a comparison in the case of turbo naturalizations is difficult to achieve, as the authorities also already know that the regulation will soon be abolished.

Conclusion: Those who are just starting now have little chance

The "quick naturalization" option has become politically obsolete. Even if it is still formally valid, the decisive moment is the authority's decision, not the application. Given the realistic processing times in Berlin, it is no longer possible to complete the entire process in time for its planned abolition. Therefore, the only chance of success is likely if the vote on abolishing the "quick naturalization" option in the Bundestag is postponed once again. Whether this will happen, however, cannot be reliably estimated.