- The number of applications for citizenship in Berlin is rising sharply
The number of applications for citizenship has noticeably increased in Berlin recently. Since June 27, a new citizenship law has been in effect nationwide, aiming to simplify the process of naturalization. As of now, there are no figures available for the entire month of July, according to a spokesperson for the State Office for Immigration (LAE). However, the office has already received over 5,000 applications between June 27 and July 21, averaging around 200 per day.
The LAE has taken over 40,000 old cases
In June, the LAE received around 4,000 applications, averaging 133 per day, the spokesperson explained. Since the beginning of the year, the LAE has been responsible for citizenship applications throughout Berlin. At this time, the office took over approximately 40,000 open cases from the district citizenship offices.
"The oldest pending application dates back to 2005," the spokesperson added. "Since then, over 25,000 applications have been digitally submitted to the LAE." Given this context, it is not possible to seriously answer how long the processing of applications takes on average.
New law introduces shorter deadlines
The new citizenship law, formulated by the federal coalition of parties, reduces the waiting period for naturalization from eight to five years, provided the applicant meets all conditions. Exceptional integration efforts can lead to citizenship after just three years, with conditions such as excellent language skills, outstanding school or job performance, or volunteer work. Dual citizenship is generally allowed.
Citizenship made easier
All children born in Germany to foreign parents will now automatically receive German citizenship and can retain their parents' citizenship, provided at least one parent has been legally residing in Germany for more than five years (down from eight) and has an unlimited residence permit. The option regulation, previously applicable to young people not raised in Germany, has been abolished. To honor the contributions of DDR contract workers and "guest workers," the requirements for their naturalization have been relaxed.
In light of the new citizenship law, many individuals might be considering applying for German citizenship. This legislation, introduced by the federal coalition, aims to simplify the naturalization process for eligible individuals. Germany, with its new regulations, now offers faster paths to citizenship, reducing the waiting period from eight to five years under certain conditions.
