A major political debate has erupted in Germany over the future of dual citizenship and whether current naturalization rules allow the government to act fast enough against individuals who reject core democratic values. The discussion intensified after a case in Berlin, where a newly naturalized man allegedly expressed online support for Hamas shortly after receiving his German passport.
Concerns rise as naturalization numbers reach historic levels
Germany granted citizenship to roughly 292,000 people last year — the highest number ever recorded — according to official statistics. A large share of new citizens retained their previous nationality, made possible through recent reforms aimed at modernizing and simplifying naturalization.
Opposition politicians, particularly from the CDU and CSU, argue that security risks are being underestimated. They believe Germany must have stronger tools to revoke citizenship from dual nationals who commit serious crimes or promote extremist ideologies. They also claim that dual nationality should become a rare exception, not a standard feature of naturalization.
Legal boundaries make revocation difficult
Under current law, German citizenship can only be withdrawn in very limited cases, and only when the person holds another passport to prevent statelessness. In practice, legal processes are lengthy and require clear evidence that an individual lied during naturalization or engaged in severe anti-constitutional actions.
Critics say this creates gaps that extremists could exploit. Supporters of reform argue that when individuals openly reject core principles of the Basic Law after obtaining citizenship, the state must be able to react quickly.
Government divided on next steps
As naturalization rules are part of federal legislation, any major reform would need backing from the governing coalition in the Bundestag. Members of the Social Democratic Party signal caution, stressing that citizenship should support integration and belonging — not become a political punishment tool.
Meanwhile, the debate touches on sensitive historical issues. Exceptions are expected to remain in place for descendants of those persecuted by the Nazi regime, a restitution principle widely supported across parties.
How many dual citizens are there? Data remains unclear
Germany currently lacks precise figures on dual nationality holders because the information is not systematically recorded. Estimates vary widely:
- 5.8 million dual citizens according to the 2022 census
- 3.1 million based on the 2024 microcensus
Despite the discrepancies, all projections suggest the number is rising. In 2023, more than 80% of newly naturalized citizens kept their original passport alongside their German one.
European trend: balancing openness and security
Other EU countries also struggle to balance national security, integration, and equal rights for newcomers. While neighboring states have tightened naturalization pathways, Germany has moved in the opposite direction — aiming to attract skilled workers and give long-term residents a stronger voice in civic life.
As the public debate unfolds, one question remains central: How should Germany define membership in its community — and how should that membership be protected?
