Naturalisation is one of the central issues of integration policy in Germany. It symbolises the final legal and social recognition of migrants as part of German society. With the reform of the Citizenship Act, Germany has taken decisive steps to remove obstacles and increase the attractiveness of naturalisation. In this in-depth article, we look at all aspects of naturalisation - from the legal basis to the challenges and far-reaching benefits. We also take a detailed look at the effects of the new legal regulations.
Introduction: Why naturalisation is crucial
Naturalisation is an issue of considerable political and social importance. For the migrants concerned, it is not just about acquiring a German passport, but also about full participation in social life, access to civic rights and protection from legal discrimination.
Germany is a country of immigration: over 10 million people with a migrant background live here, and more than 5 million of them fulfil the minimum requirements for naturalisation. Nevertheless, less than 2 % of this group have acquired German citizenship each year in recent years. The reasons for this lie in legal hurdles, emotional ties to the nation of origin and a naturalisation process that is often perceived as too complex.
A turning point has been reached with the new Citizenship Act, as key obstacles such as the renunciation of previous citizenship have been eased. But what impact has this reform had on integration and how can the existing potential be better utilised?
Legal basis for naturalisation
The Nationality Act (StAG)
The Citizenship Act regulates naturalisation in Germany. It distinguishes between naturalisation by right (§ 10 StAG) and discretionary naturalisation (§ 8 StAG). Both forms are subject to clearly defined requirements, some of which have been modernised by the new law.
Naturalisation: a clear right for migrants
Naturalisation is at the heart of naturalisation policy. The prerequisites for this are
- Legal and habitual residence: At least eight years of uninterrupted legal residence in Germany. This period can be shortened to six years if special integration achievements, such as the completion of an integration course, are available.
- Language skills: A language level of B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required. This includes both oral and written skills.
- livelihood: Applicants must be able to secure their livelihood without drawing on social benefits. Exceptions apply for emergencies for which the applicant is not responsible.
- Declaration of loyalty: A clear commitment to the free and democratic basic order is a prerequisite.
- Naturalisation test: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the German legal and social order. This is usually done by taking the national naturalisation test.
- Giving up the previous nationality: This requirement has been significantly reformed by the new law. A general acceptance of multiple nationalities makes naturalisation more attractive.
Discretionary naturalisation: flexibility in special cases
Discretionary naturalisation allows for more flexible naturalisation, even if not all requirements are met. This option is mainly used when there is a public interest. Examples include
- Highly qualified specialists, that are of particular value to the German economy.
- Athletes or artists, who represent Germany internationally.
- Family members, whose naturalisation is necessary to establish a single nationality within the family.
The new Citizenship Act: a milestone
The reform of the Citizenship Act marks a turning point in German naturalisation policy. Central changes include
- Multiple nationality: Migrants no longer have to give up their original citizenship. This removes one of the biggest obstacles and is a decisive step towards an inclusive society.
- Shortening the length of stay: People who are particularly well integrated can now be naturalised after just five years.
- Making life easier for older people: Older migrants who have difficulties proving their language skills can be naturalised under certain conditions.
Advantages of naturalisation: a benefit for migrants and society
Legal security
Naturalisation grants comprehensive legal protection:
- Protection from expulsion: German nationals cannot be expelled.
- Freedom to travel: The German passport allows visa-free travel to over 190 countries.
- Free access to the labour market: Naturalised citizens can practise all professions without restriction, including protected professions such as civil servants or judges.
Political participation
Naturalisation gives migrants full voting rights at local, state and federal level. This strengthens democracy, as a larger population group can actively participate in political decisions.
Social equality
Migrants who are naturalised enjoy unrestricted access to social security systems. In addition, many naturalised citizens feel better integrated and perceived as an equal part of society.
Personal advantages
Naturalised citizens often report an increased sense of belonging and security. German citizenship is seen as recognition of their achievements and their contribution to society.
Challenges on the path to naturalisation
Linguistic hurdles
Language level B1 is a challenge for many migrants, especially older people or those with a low level of education. Language courses and integration programmes are therefore essential to overcome this hurdle.
Naturalisation test
The naturalisation test, which tests basic knowledge about German history, politics and society, is perceived by some as a deterrent. Although the pass rate is high, fear of failure and a lack of preparation can act as a deterrent.
Emotional attachment to the old nationality
Many migrants have close ties to their country of origin. The idea of having to give up their original nationality led many to reject naturalisation. However, this problem has been alleviated with the recognition of multiple nationalities.
Complexity of the naturalisation process
Long waiting times, extensive application documents and bureaucratic hurdles continue to pose a challenge. There is still a need for action to simplify the process.
Naturalisation in the city of Cologne: an example of civic integration
The city of Cologne is taking targeted measures to promote the naturalisation of migrants and strengthen their integration in the long term. With a foreign population of around 19 % and over 200,000 people without a German passport, Cologne is one of the cities with a high number of people potentially eligible for naturalisation. In order to utilise this potential, the city offers a wide range of support services.
Cologne Naturalisation office aims to make the naturalisation process as citizen-friendly and efficient as possible. In addition to providing online information material and forms, the city also focuses on personal counselling sessions. Regular information events, often in cooperation with integration centres, language schools and migrant associations, explain the requirements and advantages of German citizenship.
Cologne pays particular attention to young people with a migration background. Targeted information campaigns at schools and youth centres inform pupils and their families about the possibilities of naturalisation. The city emphasises that naturalisation can be an important step towards a professional and social future.
In addition, Cologne actively supports migrants in preparing for the naturalisation test. In cooperation with educational institutions, courses are offered that impart basic knowledge of the German legal and social system. These courses are often free of charge or are provided at reduced rates in order to minimise financial hurdles.
With these measures, Cologne is making an important contribution to promoting naturalisation and demonstrating how local authorities can effectively support the integration of migrants through citizen-oriented approaches. The number of naturalisations in Cologne has been rising continuously for years, which underlines the effectiveness of these programmes.
Naturalisation as the key to integration
Naturalisation is much more than a bureaucratic process. It is a fundamental step in integration policy and offers migrants not only legal security, but also a stronger emotional bond with German society. It opens doors to political participation and enables deeper social integration.
Legal and social integration
Naturalisation brings with it numerous legal advantages, from freedom to travel to protection from deportation. For migrants, it often means a feeling of security, especially with regard to long-term prospects in Germany. At the same time, it promotes social integration, as naturalised people often participate more actively in community life and get involved in social, cultural and political projects.
Political participation as the basis of democracy
An important aspect of naturalisation is political participation. Naturalised migrants receive full voting rights at all levels, which not only strengthens their interests but also enriches democracy. A society in which all residents have a say in the long term is more stable and inclusive.
Multiple nationality as an opportunity
The new Citizenship Act's general acceptance of multiple nationalities is a turning point. It allows migrants to retain their ties to their nation of origin while enjoying the benefits of German citizenship. This regulation reduces one of the biggest obstacles and is expected to increase the naturalisation rate.
Integration through education and work
Education and work are decisive factors for successful integration. Naturalised people have better access to training and career opportunities. At the same time, employers are more willing to hire naturalised skilled workers as the legal framework is clearer.
Statistics and trends: challenges and progress
Decline in naturalisation figures
Although Germany has a large number of people who are potentially eligible for naturalisation, the number of naturalisations has fallen in recent decades. While around 180,000 people were naturalised in 2000, this figure has often fallen below 110,000 in recent years due to factors such as language requirements, the complexity of the process and the need to give up previous citizenship.
Naturalisation rates in a European comparison
With a naturalisation rate of around 1.8 %, Germany is far behind countries such as Sweden (10.5 %) and France (4.3 %). Sweden pursues a particularly liberal naturalisation policy, which is based, among other things, on a generous acceptance of multiple nationalities and clear integration programmes. This shows that higher rates are achievable if the hurdles for migrants are removed.
Main countries of origin of naturalised citizens
Most naturalised citizens in Germany come from Turkey, followed by citizens of Kosovo and Ukraine. Turkish migrants make up the largest foreign population group with over 1.5 million people, but have one of the lowest naturalisation rates. This was previously mainly due to the obligation to give up Turkish citizenship, which was alleviated by the reform of the Citizenship Act.
The role of local authorities in promoting naturalisation
Municipal responsibility
Local authorities are a key player in naturalisation policy. As a direct point of contact for migrants, they can provide targeted information, advice and support. Through individual counselling sessions, high-profile campaigns and better integration with other integration measures, they make a decisive contribution to increasing the naturalisation rate.
Examples of successful local politics
- Berlin: The capital offers special naturalisation guides who accompany migrants individually through the process. This support reduces uncertainty and increases the number of successful applications.
- Hamburg: With a focus on educational programmes, Hamburg links naturalisation with integration courses that not only impart language skills but also social knowledge.
- Stuttgart: The "PASS auf, lass Dich einbürgern!" campaign in Stuttgart has made a significant contribution to increasing the willingness to naturalise through personal letters and targeted public relations work.
The importance of Cologne approaches
Cologne's approach of promoting naturalisation through targeted information campaigns in schools and youth centres is an example of an exemplary municipal naturalisation policy. The targeted approach to young migrants and their families creates trust and promotes awareness of the benefits of naturalisation.
Perspectives: How can naturalisation figures be increased?
1. simplification of the naturalisation process
A bureaucratically complex process can put off many potential applicants. Digitising applications and reducing processing times would be important steps towards simplifying the process.
2. better information and counselling
Many migrants are not aware of the advantages of naturalisation or feel overwhelmed by the requirements. Publicity campaigns, such as those successfully implemented in Cologne and Stuttgart, could be expanded nationwide.
3. recognition of multiple nationality
The general recognition of multiple nationalities through the new Citizenship Act is a decisive step, but should be further promoted. Migrants who feel emotionally attached to their country of origin could thus be persuaded to apply for naturalisation.
4. education and language support
Proof of language skills is a central component of naturalisation. Low-threshold language courses and integration programmes can help to overcome this hurdle, especially for older people and migrants with little education.
5. targeting specific groups
The naturalisation rate varies greatly between different population groups. Turkish migrants and older people could be specifically addressed through programmes tailored to them.
Conclusion: A key to an inclusive society
Naturalisation is not just a legal act, but a decisive step towards an inclusive and just society. Significant progress has been made with the new Citizenship Act, which makes naturalisation easier and more attractive. Nevertheless, much remains to be done to increase the naturalisation rate and sustainably promote the integration of migrants.
Cooperation between the federal, state and local authorities is crucial in order to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, improve information services and emphasise the benefits of naturalisation more strongly. Germany has the potential to not only promote integration through a proactive naturalisation policy, but also to strengthen social cohesion and democratic participation.
Important Note: The content of this article has been prepared to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, due to the complexity and constant evolution of the subject matter, we must exclude liability and warranty. Important Notice: The content of this article has been created to the best of our knowledge and understanding. However, due to the complexity and constant changes in the subject matter, we must exclude any liability and warranty.
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