Monthly update on December 2025: Germany Ends Visa Appeals & Berlin Faces Record Citizenship Lawsuits

PublishedDecember 3, 2025Editorial policy

Germany has eliminated informal visa appeals globally to speed up processing, while Berlin faces record lawsuits over citizenship delays. Meanwhile, Portugal pauses its new citizenship rules.

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Key takeaways

Germany eliminated informal visa appeals (remonstrations) worldwide to prioritize initial applications.

Berlin is experiencing a record number of lawsuits (over 2,000) due to severe citizenship processing delays.

Portugal paused the expansion of its citizenship rules, potentially impacting Golden Visa naturalization timelines.

New CT scanners at German airports will allow travelers to keep liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags.

Germany Ends Informal Visa Appeals

Germany has officially canceled informal appeals, known as remonstrations, for visa rejections worldwide. This policy shift aims to free up administrative resources and accelerate the processing of initial visa applications.

Applicants facing a visa rejection must now proceed directly to court if they wish to contest the decision.

Berlin Faces Record Citizenship Lawsuits

The naturalization process in Berlin is experiencing critical bottlenecks, resulting in a record-breaking 2,000-plus lawsuits against the state for processing delays. The bureaucratic backlog has made legal intervention increasingly common for those seeking a passport.

Applicants for German citizenship should anticipate delays and consider budgeting for an inaction lawsuit if the immigration office remains unresponsive after three to six months.

Portugal Pauses Citizenship Rule Expansion

In a significant development for Golden Visa investors, Portugal has suspended the expansion of its citizenship rules. This pause raises questions about future naturalization timelines and the previously anticipated five-year countdown to a passport.

Investors may need to recalculate their investment exit strategies to account for potential delays in the naturalization process.

Portuguese Real Estate and Tax Updates

Portugal's newly approved budget introduces tax incentives for constructing new homes while simultaneously tightening restrictions on short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, in Lisbon. Additionally, authorities recently uncovered a migrant exploitation network in the country.

Real estate and fund investors should reassess their yield strategies in light of the new Lisbon rental restrictions and construction incentives.

Travel and Security Updates in Germany

Germany has confirmed the widespread installation of new CT scanners at its airports as part of a broader European security upgrade. This modernization allows travelers to leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage, streamlining the security process.

Separately, Canada has elevated its travel risk advisory for Germany due to heightened security concerns. While this reflects broader European tensions, it does not impact residency statuses.