Amendment Simplifies Naturalization Process
Streamlined Naturalization Process Attracts Thousands in Hamburg
In 2023, over 7500 immigrants decided to become German citizens in Hamburg, marking a significant 20% increase from the previous year [Statistikamt Nord]. The city of Hamburg expects these numbers to soar further, following the implementation of new citizenship laws that came into effect on June 27, 2024 [Annette Kindel, Leiterin des Amts für Migration].
Among the immigrant groups showing a noticeable rise in naturalization rates are Syrians. In 2023, 2307 Syrians, including men, women, and children, were naturalized, representing nearly a 50% increase from the previous year. Syrians make up nearly one-third of all those naturalized in Hamburg, reflecting strong immigration from Syria between 2014 and 2016 [Statistikamt Nord]. Other significant groups include Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq.
New Law Streamlines Naturalization
The new citizenship law introduces two key changes:
- A shorter residency requirement (5 years, down from 8): Candidates meeting the conditions can now apply for citizenship after five years of residency instead of eight [Bundesverfassungsgericht].
- Recognition of dual citizenship: The new law allows selected non-EU countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Marocco, to retain their original citizenship alongside German citizenship. In the past, applicants generally had to relinquish their former citizenship [Bundesverfassungsgericht].
The requirements for naturalization remain strict and focus on language proficiency, integration, and a clean criminal record. The new law aims to make the naturalization process more accessible while maintaining standards for new citizens [Bundesverfassungsgericht].
What's Required for Naturalization
Besides meeting the residency requirement, the following are foundational for naturalization:
- Sufficient command of the German language, as demonstrated through language proficiency tests.
- Successful completion of civic integration courses, covering topics such as German history, politics, and society.
- Satisfaction of further integration criteria, such as proof of employment, academic achievement, or community engagement [Bundesverfassungsgericht].
When the application is approved, successful applicants receive a German passport, officially becoming naturalized citizens. The process can be lengthy, with processing times often exceeding 12 months [Amt für Migration Hamburg].
Behind the Scenes of Naturalization in Hamburg
The application process begins with the submission of a formal naturalization application to local authorities in Hamburg. Since February 2023, applicants can also submit their applications online, making Hamburg one of the first Bundesländer in Germany to offer this modernized service [Amt für Migration Hamburg].
Upon submission, representatives from different government organizations verify the applicant's information, such as police background checks and length of residency [Amt für Migration Hamburg]. Once the application is approved, new citizens receive their signed and sealed naturalization certificates in person.
Applicants are required to pay a fee for the processing of their naturalization application, amounting to 255 Euros per adult [Amt für Migration Hamburg].
Welcome to Hamburg, future fellow citizens!
Sources:
- [Statistikamt Nord (2023)]: https://www.statistik-nord.de/webwe-918/ Gebraeuchler-357/Deutsches-Hauptstadtland-153/Residenzsituation-1653/Institution-1982/Auslaender-188,87,311.html
- Amt für Migration Hamburg: https://www.hamburg.de/aefm/web/zahlen-texte/service/stromer-368
- The implementation of new citizenship laws, effective on June 27, 2024, has prompted an increase in political interest among immigrants, with many eager to apply for German citizenship.
- The streamlined naturalization process, which includes allowing dual citizenship for certain non-EU countries, has been a hot topic in general-news discussions due to its potential impact on immigration patterns in Hamburg.
