Increase in number of citizenship awards reaches new peak
Germany Sets New Record for Naturalizations:
A record number of foreigners became naturalized Germans last year, according to a newspaper report, marking a significant increase since 2000 when standardized data collection began. Preliminary data suggests that at least 249,901 individuals were granted citizenship in 13 out of 16 federal states, with the actual nationwide total likely to be higher when the remaining three states report their figures.
The surge in naturalizations is attributed to a reform of the citizenship law, which came into effect on June 27, 2024. The revised law, introduced by the former coalition government, allowed immigrants to apply for citizenship after five years of residence, down from eight previously. However, the new coalition government, consisting of the Union and SPD, may reverse the three-year fast-track option for well-integrated applicants.
Syrians represent the largest group among new naturalized citizens, and the full nationwide statistics, including all 16 federal states, are anticipated to be released by the Federal Statistical Office in early June. The volume of applications for various citizenship pathways, including those for historical redress and family reasons, has also increased dramatically.
The new law includes requirements for applicants to pass a knowledge test about life in Germany and demonstrate German language proficiency at the B1 level. The influx of applications, particularly from those who arrived during the large migration movements of 2015 and 2016, has led to a backlog, but many are now taking advantage of the accelerated naturalization process.
The reduction of the waiting period for normal naturalizations from eight to five years and the permission for dual citizenship remains in place, according to the coalition agreement. "Many people who came to us during the large refugee movements in 2015 and 2016 are now applying or have already done so," said the managing director of the German Cities Association, Helmut Dedy. The growing motivation to obtain German citizenship is also driven by the fact that the previous citizenship no longer has to be given up in every case.
Sources: ntv.de, lme/dpa.
The surge in naturalizations in Germany, as reported by various news outlets, is largely due to a recent revision in the employment and community policy, which reduced the time an immigrant needs to reside in the country to become eligible for citizenship. This policy change has led to an increase in migration, particularly among Syrians, and has sparked political discussions regarding the potential reversal of the fast-track option for well-integrated applicants in the realm of policy-and-legislation. Consequently, general news coverage has highlighted this trend, emphasizing the economic implications and social integration aspects of the mass naturalization process.
