Germany Plans Tighter Rules on Refugee Family Reunification and Citizenship
Germany Suspends Refugee Family Reunification & Ends Fast-Track Citizenship Path
The German Cabinet has approved two major immigration policy changes: suspending family reunification for certain refugees and ending the fast-track naturalisation process.
Family Reunification Suspended for Subsidiary Protection Holders
Germany will suspend, for two years, the right of migrants holding subsidiary protection—those who do not qualify for full refugee status—to bring their spouses and children.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt supported the move, citing overstretched integration capacities and pressure on local authorities. Roughly 380,000 people in Germany currently hold subsidiary protection status, with Syrians expected to be the most affected.
In 2024, Germany issued about 120,000 family reunification visas. That number is expected to decline significantly once the law takes effect following Bundestag approval.
However, the decision has been met with criticism from human rights groups. Pro Asyl warned the suspension could cause psychological harm and fuel irregular migration.
Fast-Track Citizenship Option Abolished
The Cabinet also voted to eliminate the fast-track citizenship option for specially integrated foreign nationals, which previously allowed naturalisation after just three years of residence.
Under the new rules, the standard minimum residency requirement to obtain German citizenship will revert to five years. The reform aims to tighten oversight following a record-high 200,000 naturalisations in 2024—the highest in 25 years.
Exceptions will remain: those married to a German citizen for at least two years may still apply for citizenship after three years of residence.
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