During the 63rd plenary sitting of the Bundestag on 6 March 2026, lawmakers debated an Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) proposal entitled “A real migration turnaround requires a reformed citizenship policy.” The motion demands longer residence requirements, the end of dual nationality for most applicants and mandatory German-language testing conducted by state bodies rather than private institutes. Interior-committee rapporteurs from the governing CDU/SPD coalition immediately rejected the text, arguing that it would undermine Germany’s Skilled-Worker Immigration Act—reforms that aim to make naturalisation faster for in-demand talent and thereby help companies fill 400,000 open positions. Green and FDP speakers added that dual nationality had become “standard practice in a globalised labour market.” Although the motion was referred to committees without further debate, its appearance highlights the political polarisation around citizenship.
![Bundestag clashes over AfD motion to tighten naturalisation rules]()
For HR managers and employees navigating these impending changes, VisaHQ can streamline the administrative burden. Its dedicated Germany page (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) tracks legislative updates in real time and offers end-to-end support for visa, residence and document applications, helping organisations stay compliant while talent settles in faster.
AfD’s attempt to slow naturalisation contrasts with the coalition’s draft bill—expected before the summer recess—that would reduce the qualifying period from eight to five years and allow dual passports in most cases. For employers, the parliamentary skirmish signals both risk and opportunity. The coalition still holds a majority to liberalise citizenship, potentially making Germany more attractive for long-term assignees. But the heated rhetoric also raises the possibility of future rollbacks should political power shift at state or federal level. Mobility managers should time long-term planning against this legislative calendar and prepare information campaigns for eligible employees once final rules are adopted.
For HR managers and employees navigating these impending changes, VisaHQ can streamline the administrative burden. Its dedicated Germany page (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) tracks legislative updates in real time and offers end-to-end support for visa, residence and document applications, helping organisations stay compliant while talent settles in faster.
AfD’s attempt to slow naturalisation contrasts with the coalition’s draft bill—expected before the summer recess—that would reduce the qualifying period from eight to five years and allow dual passports in most cases. For employers, the parliamentary skirmish signals both risk and opportunity. The coalition still holds a majority to liberalise citizenship, potentially making Germany more attractive for long-term assignees. But the heated rhetoric also raises the possibility of future rollbacks should political power shift at state or federal level. Mobility managers should time long-term planning against this legislative calendar and prepare information campaigns for eligible employees once final rules are adopted.
