Both the shortened pathway and any exceptions for outstanding integration performance have now been removed. What Germany's new citizenship rules requireUnder the amended law, every applicant must hold a valid residence permit and demonstrate a minimum of five continuous years of residence in Germany before lodging a citizenship application. Candidates must also prove an adequate command of the German language and show they are financially independent, meaning they cannot be reliant on state welfare support. The government framed the move as a measure to reinforce social cohesion and establish clearer expectations for immigrants pursuing German citizenship, signalling that the bar for naturalisation would be grounded in demonstrated commitment rather than expedited timelines. Germany outlines 7 rules for skilled workers' residencyEarlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Germany has listed the conditions skilled workers holding temporary residence permits must fulfil before they can qualify for permanent residency.