In 2025, Germany strengthened immigration rules: it imposed a ban on family reunification for individual refugees, abolished citizenship for 3 years and approved new restrictions at the borders. Find out what has changed, who will be affected by the innovations, and how foreigners should act this summer.
In 2025Germany officially tightened immigration rules: temporarily suspended family reunification for certain categories of refugees and abolished the simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship. These innovations are already causing concern among foreigners living in the country, including citizens of Paraguay and Costa Rica.and Papua New Guinea Guinea, and may significantly affect their future.
Read everything that is known today about the current changes in German migration policy in this article.
Choose a reliable health insurance policy on the Visit World portal to protect yourself from unforeseen expenses during relocation. Support from a trusted insurance agent with guaranteed payments in just a couple of clicks!
Family reunification in Germany is temporarily suspended
Starting in 2025, the family reunification procedure for persons with temporary (subsidiary) protection has been suspended for two years. This status is granted to foreigners fleeing war or threats in their country, but not recognized as refugees according to the Geneva Convention.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the decision was aimed at reducing the burden on municipalities responsible for accommodating and integrating migrants.
“We have already applied this practice in 2016-2018, and it was effective,” Dobrindt said.
The granting of asylum in Germany is regulated by paragraphs 24 and 25 The Law on the Legal Status of Foreigners.
Germany abolished the simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship in 3 years
The government also abolished the rule that allows you to obtain German citizenship after 3 years of residence, subject to high integration (for example, knowledge of the language, employment, active participation in public life).
Now the minimum term has been returned to 5 years, which complicates the plans of thousands of migrants who are already in the process of naturalization.
The authorities justify this by deciding to eliminate the “attractiveness factors” for illegal migrants.
How will the changes in migration policy affect foreigners in Germany?
These changes in migration policy have a number of serious consequences:
1. Separation from family Foreigners with subsidiary protection will not be able to bring their loved ones in the next two years.
2. Delay in obtaining citizenship: Even well-integrated migrants will have to wait longer to get a German passport.
3. Increased uncertainty:The new rules may leave genuine asylum seekers with no clear prospects.
The political context and increased border controls in Germany
The reforms became part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s election program, which promised to limit migration and strengthen border protection. The Government has already introduced additional checks to stop the entry of illegal migrants, including asylum seekers.
European countries are gradually restoring border controls at their internal borders; additional checks have already been introduced in 12 countries. Read this article. in which states the new rules apply, under what conditions and for how long additional control will be carried out.
Although such laws are criticized by human rights activists and neighbors in the EU, the authorities insist that reforms are necessary to reduce the burden on the system and curb the influence of right-wing radical forces.
When will the new immigration rules in Germany come into force?
The new laws are expected to pass a final vote in Parliament before July 2025.
They will come into force this summer.
How should foreigners act under the new rules?
Foreigners in Germany should plan their migration path in advance, taking into account the restrictions of 2025:
1. Carefully check the protection status.
2. To look for alternative legal ways to reunite the family.
3. Prepare documents for citizenship according to the new deadlines.
4. Seek advice from lawyers and migration consultants.
If you are not sure how the changes in German migration policy in 2025 will affect you, or if you plan to apply for citizenship or family reunification, it is better to contact a lawyer. Qualified specialists help: adapt the strategy to the new legislation, prepare a package of documents, accompany cases at various stages, and file appeals in difficult cases.
Contact a reliable migration lawyer today!
In 2025Germany in fact, it has “reset” its migration policy: tightened border controls, abolished accelerated citizenship and temporarily banned family reunification for some refugees. This decision may become a serious challenge for thousands of migrants who are already in the country or are just planning to move.
We remind you! From July 2025, Germany cancels the opportunity to appeal a visa refusal without a trial. We have already told you what will change, how to prepare the documents correctly and what to do in case of refusal.
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish