Streamlined Naturalization Processes Show Mixed Results in Hesse, Germany - More Applications Piling Up
Scarcely Four Turbocitizenships Granted in Hesse - Increasing Number of Applications - Limited four turbo-citizenships granted in Hessen - rising number of applications under review
Let's dive into the buzzing world of migration and citizenship in Hesse, Germany!
The Hessian Interior Ministry has revealed that just four immigrants have made the most of the so-called fast-track naturalization since its inception a year ago. This accelerated route for "exceptional integration achievements" was designed to expedite the process for high achievers in academia or professional fields.
Following a nationwide reform on June 27, 2024, German citizenship can now be obtained after five years of residency, compared to the previous eight. However, this period can be reduced to three years for those with outstanding achievements, a perk that the current coalition government is considering rolling back.
Post-reform, there's been a noticeable surge in naturalization applications in Hesse. From June 27, 2024, to May 31, 2025, a whopping 39,554 applications were submitted, a stark jump from the 30,486 applications received in the corresponding period of the prior year (2023/2024). The responsible authorities anticipate an average processing time of two years for these applications.
Shedding its old skin, Germany has also begun to accept multiple passports. Previously, naturalization required relinquishing previous citizenship, but this is no longer a requirement. Consequently, all applicants in Hesse are now being naturalized with multiple citizenships, according to the ministry.
Hesse's Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) has welcomed the move to scrap the fast-track naturalization, labeling its introduction by the previous government as a misstep. While he believes it's a mistake to waive "the stringent requirements for naturalization," he criticizes the lack of federal support for the naturalization authorities overwhelmed by the anticipated influx of applications.
Keeping the macro view in mind, it's worth noting that the current fast-track naturalization process has had limited impact across several German states. For instance, Rhineland-Palatinate witnessed only 20 cases, while Baden-Württemberg recorded 16 cases, and Lower Saxony notched up four instances of fast-track naturalization[1].
Following Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inauguration on May 6, 2025, there's been a push to eliminate this fast-track naturalization. Merz is a proponent of stricter citizenship policies, even going as far as proposing denaturalization in specific cases[5]. The exact implications for Hesse remain unclear in the available information. While the CDU and SPD have suggested reintroducing the fast-track process, its future remains uncertain[2].
For now, the primary change that's impacting naturalization across Germany is the reform of the citizenship law, allowing immigrants to request citizenship after five years of residency, down from eight[1]. This change has triggered an uptick in citizenship applications, shaping the contours of Germany's migration landscape.
In response to the surge in naturalization applications in Hesse, Germany, following the reform of the citizenship law in 2024, the current coalition government is considering rolling back the reduced period for exceptional achievements, potentially impacting vocational training and academic professionals seeking accelerated naturalization. On the other hand, the General News and Politics sections suggest a debate in policy-and-legislation circles, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocating for stricter citizenship policies, including denaturalization in specific cases, and the CDU and SPD considering reintroducing the fast-track naturalization process. This uncertainty in the fast-track naturalization process could have implications for vocational training programs, community policy, and migration patterns in Hesse, influencing the broader policy landscape and general news discussions.
