Naturalizations in the Altenburger Land: record numbers and new perspectives!

In the district of Altenburger Land, the naturalization figures have risen significantly in 2024. According to a report by Abg-info.de, there were a total of 52 naturalizations in 2023. In comparison, the numbers were significantly lower in previous years: 110 naturalizations in 2022, 21 naturalizations in 2021 and only 5 naturalizations in 2020. This increase is more than twenty -fold within four years. The trend illustrates the increasing willingness of people with foreign roots to acquire German citizenship. Vizelandrat Matthias Bergmann emphasizes the integration -friendly work of the local naturalization authority and emphasizes that those who have been naturalized can make a living without state transfer services.

Nationwide, around 200,100 naturalizations were registered in 2023, which means an increase of around 19 percent compared to the previous year. This has been the highest value since the turn of the millennium. The most common countries of origin of new citizens are Syria, Turkey and Afghanistan. In order to obtain German citizenship, various requirements must be met, such as an ordinary and lawful stay of five years in Germany, the proof of identity and sufficient knowledge of German. In addition, applicants must pass a naturalization test and commit themselves to the liberal and democratic basic order of Germany.

legal framework of naturalization

As the Federal Center for Political Education shows in detail, German citizenship can be obtained through birth or naturalization. A reform of German citizenship law came into force on January 1, 2000 and led to the introduction of the territorial principle (JUS SOLI) in addition to the parentage principle (Jus Sanguinis). An important point of the reform was the failure of original plans for double nationality. The CDU/CSU campaigned for the campaign "Yes for integration - no to double nationality" and introduced the option model in which children of foreign parents can receive German citizenship under certain conditions. This regulation stipulates that children who have foreign parents have to choose between their 18th and 23rd birthday for a nationality, unless they are children of EU citizens.

After the new regulation of the option regulation in December 2014, children of foreign parents no longer have to decide between nationalities under certain conditions. The general requirements for naturalization are a lawful stay of eight years, the recognition of the democratic basic order, the securing of livelihood and sufficient knowledge of German. A naturalization test has been mandatory since January 1, 2008. Usually naturalization requires the task of previous citizenship, but there are exceptions for nationals from other EU countries and special conditions.

The discussion about the right to German citizenship and double nationality is still a relevant topic.