Already a backlog of naturalisation applications

The big rush is yet to come, but: Shortly before the naturalization reform comes into force, according to a survey, there is already a large backlog of applications in the cities.

More than 204,000 applications are currently being processed in 42 cities, according to the results of research by the Integration Media Service published on Friday. That is more applications on hold than there were naturalizations nationwide last year. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 200,000 people will have been naturalized in 2023.

According to its own information, the media service surveyed the 50 most populous cities in Germany, eight of which did not provide any information on current application numbers. The survey provides a meaningful picture because most foreigners in Germany live in cities, it said.

In Berlin, the State Office for Immigration took over around 40,000 open cases from the previously responsible district administrations at the beginning of the year. In Hamburg, around 25,600 people are reportedly waiting for their naturalization application to be processed, and in Munich, 17,600. Even in smaller cities such as Bielefeld, Gelsenkirchen and Münster, up to 2,000 entries were received in 2003, according to the Integration Media Service.

According to the information, this may mean a long wait for those affected. Processing takes between 3 and 36 months – and that is even before the reform comes into force, according to which more people than before will be entitled to a German passport from next Thursday (June 27). Naturalization will then be possible after five years instead of the previous eight, and if special integration achievements such as language skills can be proven, after three years instead of the previous six.

According to a survey conducted by the media service, almost all cities expect that interest in naturalization will increase with the reform. This is also reflected in the increased demand for advisory services. In Cologne, inquiries have already doubled in the first few months of this year.