What was abolished — and since when?
The fast-track 3-year naturalisation for special integration achievements (§ 10 Abs. 3 StAG a. F.) only applied for a limited period, from 27 June 2024 to 29 October 2025. The Act amending the Nationality Act and other provisions (Gesetz zur Änderung des Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetzes sowie weiterer Vorschriften) of 27 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 256), in force since 30 October 2025, removed this route without replacement. Since then, a higher language level (C1), volunteer work or outstanding achievements no longer shorten the minimum residence period under § 10 StAG.
What applies now?
Since 30 October 2025, naturalisation by entitlement is uniformly subject to the five-year minimum residence period under § 10 Abs. 1 StAG. The other requirements (B1 language skills, the naturalisation test (Einbürgerungstest), securing your own livelihood, a clean criminal record, and a commitment to the free democratic basic order) remain unchanged. No statutory transitional rule for applications filed under the old law was created.
What happens to applications filed under the old 3-year route?
Applications that were aimed at the 3-year route under the old legal framework (27 June 2024 to 29 October 2025) have, since the repeal took effect, been handled in administrative practice under § 8 StAG (discretionary naturalisation, Ermessenseinbürgerung) — to that extent, there is no longer a legal entitlement. A constitutional complaint directed against the lack of a transitional rule was not accepted for decision by the Federal Constitutional Court in its order of 19 December 2025 (2 BvR 1792/25) — it was inadmissible because the ordinary legal remedies had not been exhausted; no decision on the merits was issued.
Important distinction: spouses of German citizens (§ 9 StAG)
Unaffected by the repeal is the separate rule for spouses and registered civil partners of German citizens under § 9 StAG: here, three years of lawful residence are still sufficient, provided the marriage or civil partnership has existed for at least two years. This 3-year option has not been abolished and must not be confused with the repealed § 10 Abs. 3 route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still naturalise after 3 years on the basis of special integration achievements?
No. The fast-track 3-year route for special integration achievements (§ 10 Abs. 3 StAG a. F.) only applied from 27 June 2024 to 29 October 2025 and was removed without replacement, effective 30 October 2025, by the Act amending the Nationality Act and other provisions of 27 October 2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 256). The uniform 5-year period under § 10 Abs. 1 StAG now applies.
Does a C1 language certificate or volunteer work still shorten the period?
No — since 30 October 2025, neither a higher language level (C1) nor volunteer work or outstanding achievements shorten the minimum residence period under § 10 StAG. Language level B1 is sufficient for naturalisation.
Is there still any naturalisation after 3 years at all?
Yes, but only for spouses and registered civil partners of German citizens under § 9 StAG: three years of lawful residence, provided the marriage or civil partnership has existed for at least two years. This rule is not affected by the repeal of the § 10 Abs. 3 route.