Berlin's new digital naturalization: fast, safe and efficient!

Berlin's new digital naturalization: fast, safe and efficient!

Cottbus, Deutschland - The naturalization procedure is currently being revolutionized in Berlin. Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) emphasizes the efficiency and safety of the digitized procedure. She emphasizes that this procedure is in a strong contrast to the analog methods in other federal states. It could not be a security risk. A thorough examination of the naturalization claim guarantees that only people without criminal backgrounds or identity fraud will receive German citizenship.

But what does that mean for the citizens: inside? The digitized inquiries from security authorities and the complete access to the foreigner files make it possible to exclude abuse as well. The decisive advantage: naturalizations based on false information can be undone quickly, and any manipulations are recognized quickly. "A commitment to the freedom-democratic basic order is also a prerequisite for everyone who strives for the German passport," adds Spranger.

naturalization statistics and outlook

The numbers speak a clear language: In 2022, a proud 21,802 naturalizations were carried out in Berlin - more than twice as many as in the previous year! In the first half of 2023, 20,060 naturalizations were added. The State Office for Immigration (LAE) has optimistic forecasts for the rest of the year 2023, in which around 40,000 naturalizations are expected. Berlin's Government Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) sees the doubts about whether these changes actually work in the newly introduced digital processes.

In the context of these developments, there is also the new nationality law law, which will come into force on June 30, 2024. This law, which was decided by the Federal Cabinet in August 2023 and was passed by the Bundestag in January 2024, modernized the previous regulations based on the "Reich and Citizenship Act" of 1913. The reform aims to increase the naturalization rate that was 1.1 percent in 2022 and was below the EU average of 2 percent, as well as to promote participation in society.

naturalization in change

With the new law, the acquisition of nationality becomes the rule if a member of the immigrants has lived lawfully in Germany for five years. Former guest workers no longer have to take a naturalization test; the oral communication in German is sufficient. In addition, the option is eliminated, the many children with foreign roots have made life difficult in the past.

The reform also contains important security measures that have already been digitized and accelerated. These are intended to ensure that the naturalizations are properly expired and abuse is prevented as possible. However, there are also critical voices on the reform proposals. Some observers believe that naturalization should be the end of the integration process and have concerns that an accelerated processing of applications is not always in the best interest of society.

With these changes, Germany reacts to the challenges as an immigration country and is becoming more and more upset with the needs of a diverse society. Further information on this topic is available from the Federal Government at bundes- Government.de , where the central importance of naturalization in Germany is explained in detail.