Official government announcements and legal documents

Germany's New Citizenship Law Requires Support for Israel's Right to Exist, Reduces Residency to Five Years

Jun 26, 2024, 12:12 PM

Germany has introduced a new citizenship law that mandates applicants to declare their support for Israel's right to exist. The law, which came into force on Tuesday, is part of a broader overhaul of Germany's nationality criteria aimed at promoting adherence to the country's values. In addition to affirming Israel's right to exist, the new citizenship test includes questions on antisemitism, Jewish life in Germany, and Germany's historic responsibility towards Judaism. The reform also reduces the residency requirement for obtaining citizenship to five years and allows first-generation migrants to hold dual citizenship. This measure has sparked controversy, with some questioning the focus on Israel's right to exist over other countries.