Hamburg has experienced a dramatic increase in German citizenship applications following new naturalization laws. Since the implementation of new citizenship regulations on June 27, 2024, approximately 6,000 applications have been submitted, according to the Office for Migration.
Surge in application numbers
The statistics show a significant uptick in citizenship requests:
- 13,658 naturalization applications submitted by mid-September 2024
- Compared to 6,268 applications for the entire year 2020
- Main countries of origin: Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey
Key changes in naturalization rules
The new citizenship law introduces several important modifications:
1. Reduced residency requirements:
- Five years instead of eight for well-integrated foreigners working in Germany
- Some cases qualify after just three years
- Dual citizenship now permitted
2. Special provisions for guest and contract workers:
- Simplified language requirements (ability to communicate in everyday German)
- Citizenship test requirement waived
3. Strengthened commitment requirements:
- Enhanced emphasis on commitment to the free democratic basic order
- Explicit requirement to affirm values of a free society
- Focus on human dignity and equality
- The Federal Ministry of the Interior emphasizes that racism, antisemitism, or any form of misanthropy disqualifies applicants
Streamlined application process
The Hamburg Office for Migration has adapted to handle increased applications:
- Additional staff hired
- Digitalized key parts of the process
- Online application submission available
- Digital “Quick-Check” to verify eligibility
- Ideally requires only one in-person visit to the office
The office spokesperson notes that applicants can now submit all required documents digitally, significantly simplifying the process.
