- Despite reform, long wait for citizenship
The new citizenship law has sparked a high demand for German passports. However, according to estimates by the German Association of Cities, the path to naturalization remains long for many foreigners - at least initially.
In public, the reform that came into effect on June 27 is often perceived as making naturalizations not only easier but also faster, said the managing director of the municipal association, Helmut Dedy, to the German Press Agency. "That is not the case, at least in the coming months," he pointed out.
The fact that a large number of new applications are now being received by already heavily burdened offices is slowing down the procedures rather than speeding them up. "Those seeking naturalization must first bring a lot of patience," explained Dedy.
Under the new citizenship law passed by the SPD, Greens, and FDP, a claim to naturalization can now be made after five years instead of the previous eight - provided all conditions are met. This includes, for example, being able to generally support oneself.
In the case of special integration achievements, foreigners can already become German citizens after three years. The conditions for faster naturalization include good performance in school or work, excellent language skills, or voluntary engagement. Dual citizenship is generally allowed. To honor the contributions of DDR contract workers and so-called guest workers, the requirements for naturalization have been reduced for them.
Hamburg has increased staff.
In the naturalization authority of the city of Erfurt, the waiting time for processing is currently over a year. The authority then needs three to six months to process a case, depending on its complexity. While 68 applications were received in June, there were already 114 in July. In Hamburg, where staff had already been increased as a precaution, the processing time is on average around one year.
Many cities are making great efforts and welcoming new citizens at naturalization ceremonies, the association reports. While staff are doing what they can, managing director Dedy sees a limit reached. He says: "The personnel shortages caused by new tasks and thus ever more cases in the offices cannot simply be eliminated."
The new citizenship law, which allows for naturalization after five years instead of eight under certain conditions, has led to an influx of applications. Despite increasing staff in places like Hamburg, the high demand for German citizenship is causing prolonged processing times, requiring patience from applicants.
