Parts of the CDU & CSU want to reintroduce the ban on multiple citizenship.

The debate surrounding German citizenship has flared up again. After the coalition government passed a comprehensive reform of citizenship law in 2024, the CDU and CSU now want to reverse key aspects of this reform – particularly the general allowance of dual citizenship . The trigger is the current "cityscape" debate, which revolves around issues of integration, social identity, and belonging. Union politicians see the extensive liberalization of citizenship law as a misguided development and are calling for a return to more restrictive rules. The SPD and the Greens, however, argue that dual citizenship reflects the reality of a modern, diverse Germany.

Double passing is now generally permitted

With the 2024 reform, the German government fundamentally modernized citizenship law. Naturalization was made easier: instead of after eight years of residence, it was now possible after five years, and for particularly well-integrated individuals even after three years (" turbo naturalization "). Furthermore, the previous requirement to renounce one's original citizenship was abolished. This was a political response to societal changes and the fact that many people live and work permanently in Germany and have roots in multiple countries. These simplifications led to a historic record in 2024: according to the Federal Statistical Office, 291,955 people were naturalized – more than ever before since records began in 2000. The largest group among them were Syrians, followed by people with Turkish, Iraqi, Russian, and Afghan citizenship.

However, resistance is now forming against this development. According to a report in the Bild newspaper, politicians from the federal and state levels within the CDU/CSU alliance are putting pressure on the federal government. Firstly, they want to ensure that German passports can be revoked more quickly from dual nationals convicted of crimes . Secondly, they want dual citizenship to become the exception again for new naturalizations – as it was before the reform. The CDU/CSU parties want a stronger distinction to be made between German and foreign citizenship in the future.

Conclusion: Reintroduction of the ban on multiple citizenship

The debate surrounding dual citizenship is far more than a legal technicality – it touches upon fundamental questions of identity, integration, and belonging. While the 2024 reform paved the way for a modern citizenship law that reflects Germany's societal diversity, the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) are seeking to revert to a more restrictive approach. For those interested in naturalization, this means that the political landscape could soon shift again. Anyone aspiring to German citizenship or considering dual citizenship should closely monitor current developments – because citizenship law remains in flux.