More people will be able to become German citizens without giving up their existing nationality, following the enactment of government reforms on Thursday.

The change in Germany's citizenship laws marks the first time the country has agreed to let people have multiple citizenships.

Previously, German citizenship was typically only granted as an exception to nationals of European Union member countries and Swiss nationals, as well as individuals able to prove "special hardships", reported the Deutsche Welle news service, or DW.

"Finally, our law is doing justice to our diverse society," Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement. "Finally, we recognize the life stories and achievements of many people in our country who immigrated a long time ago and have helped our country to move forward. The message is very clear: You belong to Germany!"

Approximately 14 percent of Germany's population does not hold German citizenship, noted DW. Government data shows that in 2022, 168,545 people were granted naturalization in Germany, which is equivalent to just 3.1 percent of the foreign nationals who have lived in Germany for at least 10 years, although this figure has been increasing in recent times.

A surge in those numbers is now expected in the year ahead, with state governments in Germany already noting an increase in applications.

The new rules aim to provide extended rights to non-German long-term residents in Germany, as the coalition government, comprising the Social Democrats, Greens, and the Free Democrats, seeks to boost naturalization rates to encourage faster integration into society.

The law change means residency criteria for naturalization decreases from eight years to five years, while some exceptional accomplishments in integration may further shorten this duration to three years, reported Schengen News.

Opposition parties, including the far-right Alternative for Germany and the conservative Christian Democrats, argue that German citizenship will be devalued by the new regulations.

Faeser emphasized that the rule changes aim to make naturalization easier for those who share Germany's values, but added that there will be zero tolerance for foreign individuals displaying anti-Semitic, racist, or any other harmful behaviors.

"Anyone who shares our values and makes an effort can now get a German passport more quickly and no longer has to give up part of their identity by giving up their old nationality," she said. "But we have also made it just as clear: anyone who does not share our values cannot get a German passport."