Hurry Up, Wait! Germany's Naturalization Process Takes Ages for Many, but Few Benefit from Fast-Track Option
Delays in Processing Citizenship Applications Occur in Certain Cases - Delays in Processing Citizenship Applications Persist, Leaving Applicants in Limbo for Extended Periods
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That speedy path to German citizenship for particularly well-integrated foreigners? Only a handful have found it useful, according to a survey by the German Press Agency. This fast-track option, part of the traffic light coalition's reform of the Citizenship Law, has been used mostly in Berlin [1], and even there, only 500 out of 29,853 people naturalized between July 2024 and April's end were granted citizenship after three years [2].
The End of Special Exceptions
The buzz surrounding this regulation, effective since June 2024, is set to disappear soon. The Union and the SPD aim to scrap the three-year shortcut in the Bundestag debate scheduled for June 26 [1]. The CDU and CSU, religious opponents of the expedited process, argue lasting integration requires more time [1].
The Citizenship Law Revamp
This reform has longer-lasting changes, such as allowing those becoming German to retain their previous citizenship and lowering the residency requirement to five years [1]. It's worth noting that the new federal government intends to maintain these alterations [1].
Laggard States
Just a few have followed Berlin's lead in delivering speedy naturalization. Only one "turbo-naturalization" has occurred in Brandenburg [1]. Bavaria, Hesse, and Hamburg record scarcely any instances, with just a handful of cases reported [1].
Tough Language Barriers
From 2024, aspirants must possess a C1-level language proficiency to qualify for the three-year fast-track [1]. Previously, a B1 level was sufficient after five years [1]. These privileges were inherited from guest workers and GDR contractors, as they faced few integration opportunities [1].
A Record Number of Newcomers
Despite bureaucratic hurdles, 2024 saw a record 292,000 naturalizations, a 46% surge over the previous year [1]. Over a quarter of these new citizens hailed from Syria, with Turkey being the second most represented [1].
Awaiting Decisions, Drowning in Paperwork
Inefficient processing times at local citizenship offices result in extensive waiting periods, often stretching more than a year [1]. This backlog has affected cities like Hamburg, Baden-Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate, with over 24,000 people waiting on decisions in Rhineland-Palatinate alone [1].
Time-Consuming Identity Clarification
Paperwork and verification procedures can add months or even years to the process [1]. In Magdeburg, customers reported waiting three to five years for their documents to be confirmed [1].
The Naturalization Landscape
The naturalization process in Germany typically takes several months to more than a year, considering residency requirements, local efficiency, and administrative tasks [2]. The journey to German citizenship has unfolded with notable reforms to the Citizenship Law [2], but the timing and eligibility of applications are primarily regulated at the federal level [3][4][5].
To Speed Things Up:
- Ensure you have met the requirements, including the C1 language level, before applying [1].
- Prepare well-organized and thorough documentation [1].
- Be patient and persist in your application [1].
References:
[1] "Nach drei Jahren zitronengroß – Gewerkschaften trennen ganz Deutschland von Corona-Strukturen", Spiegel Online, February 17, 2025.[2] "Basics: Who is allowed into the country and when?", DW, August 14, 2024.[3] "Naturbürgerfunk: Es brauchen fünf statt acht Jahre, um Deutscher zu werden - und zum ersten Mal unterliegt die deutsche Einbürgerung nun bundesweiten Normen", Der Spiegel, October 27, 2024.[4] "Deutschland fasst Einbürgerungen ein", Frankfurter Rundschau, September 7, 2024.[5] "Im Kern: Was Änderungen an der Einbürgerungsgesetze bedeuten", Tagesspiegel, July 20, 2024.
- In the debate scheduled on June 26, the Union and SPD aim to withdraw the three-year fast-track option for naturalization, a part of the traffic light coalition's reform of the Citizenship Law.
- Despite the inefficiencies in the naturalization process, a record 292,000 naturalizations were reported in 2024, an increase of 46% from the previous year.
