Göttingen celebrates records: naturalizations boomed in 2025!

Göttingen celebrates records: naturalizations boomed in 2025!

A very special occasion was celebrated in Göttingen on June 17, 2025: the public naturalization of new citizens. At the festive ceremony, Mayor Broistedt emphasized the immense importance of naturalization as an expression of belonging and active participation in German democracy. “Diversity is our gain,” she made clear, addressing the newly minted citizens who proudly received their new ID cards.

Over 236 people had received naturalization in Göttingen by the beginning of June 2025 - a number that corresponds to the entire value of 2021. This is particularly notable when you consider the rapidly increasing number of applications. In 2024 there were an impressive 1,007 applications for German citizenship, which is a significant increase compared to the 245 applications in 2020.

New legal regulations strengthen naturalizations

Behind the increase in naturalizations is the new citizenship law of 2024. This law has shortened the pre-residence period for naturalization from eight to five years and now allows dual citizenship. This makes it easier for many immigrants to feel at home in Germany. Broistedt also pointed out that the naturalization team is working with double staff hours on this day and can therefore process up to four times as many applications as in 2020.

But the increase also has its challenges: the staffing requirements for processing applications still have to be gradually met, which is made more difficult by the city's financial difficulties. In order to counteract this problem, a piecemeal adjustment of resources is necessary.

Naturalization process and conditions in Germany

The requirements for naturalization in Germany are clearly defined. To submit an application, you need to have lived habitually for at least five years, as well as proof of identity and nationality, such as a passport. Knowledge of German at level B1 is also mandatory, as is proof of integration skills via a naturalization test, for which those interested can prepare if necessary. Information on this is available, among others, from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Special regulations apply to minors that make naturalization easier if their parents meet the requirements. Here too, diversity is perceived as an enrichment of society, which points to the development of the integration map in Germany.

Integration through naturalization

Overall, there is a continuing trend of increasing naturalizations in Germany, which indicates a growing interest in German citizenship. Statistics show that around 52.4% of people with a migrant background now have German citizenship. Many of them, whether born or immigrant, feel a deep sense of belonging to their new home. The view that speaking the German language and adhering to democratic values ​​are among the central criteria for belonging is becoming increasingly accepted.

In conclusion, it remains to be said that the naturalization ceremonies not only overcome bureaucratic hurdles, but are also a symbol of integration, participation and togetherness in the colorful society in Göttingen and beyond. Every new citizen is another piece of the mosaic in Germany's vibrant cultural landscape.