- Applications for citizenship under new law doubled
Since the introduction of the new Citizenship Act on June 27th, the number of naturalization applications in Hamburg has skyrocketed. In the five weeks since it took effect, around 3,000 applications have already been submitted, according to the interior ministry. "That's more than double the number compared to the same period last year," said ministry spokesman Daniel Schaefer to the German Press Agency.
The most common countries of origin are Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, and Iraq. "The average length of residence for applicants is twelve and a half years," he said. Depending on the documents submitted and the legal requirements, which are thoroughly checked, the average processing time in Hamburg is currently around twelve months.
The new law shortens deadlines
The new Citizenship Act, formulated by the traffic light coalition, allows a claim to naturalization after five years instead of the previous eight - provided all conditions are met. With exceptional integration efforts, foreigners can become German citizens after just three years. Requirements for faster naturalization include good performance in school or work, excellent language skills, or voluntary engagement.
Moreover, multiple citizenship is now generally allowed. Previously, obtaining German citizenship usually meant giving up one's previous citizenship. Exceptions were made for citizens of other EU countries and certain non-EU states, including Switzerland, Afghanistan, Iran, and Morocco, who could already hold dual citizenship.
More staff and digitization to reduce processing time
"The new Citizenship Act is indeed a challenge," said spokesman Schaefer. Therefore, Hamburg has reacted promptly and significantly reinforced the migration office. The Senate's budget plan for the next two years provides for an increase to more than 80 positions in the naturalization department - "virtually a doubling compared to previous years," he said.
Furthermore, the naturalization process has been digitized at key points. "Applicants can now use a pre-service quick check to check, free of charge and without obligation, whether they meet the requirements for naturalization."
The European Union, being a union of several countries, has its citizens among the applicants for naturalization in Hamburg, given the increase in applications since the new Citizenship Act. With the new law, foreigners from various EU countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Morocco, who could already hold dual citizenship, now have an easier path to naturalization in Hamburg.
