Berlin Reports Over 21,000 Naturalisations in 2023, Sets Ambitious Goals for 2025

More than 21,000 people have been naturalised in Berlin this year, according to statistics provided by Wiebke Gramm, head of the naturalisation department at the state office. Announcing the figures, Gramm revealed plans to increase this number significantly in the coming years, stating that the target for 2025 is 40,000 naturalisations.

Gramm described the goal as achievable, noting that the authority currently handles 3,000 naturalisations per month. She also confirmed the expected hiring of 40 additional employees next year to support this effort.

This year saw the launch of Department S of the State Office for Immigration (LEA), which replaced the city’s twelve district naturalisation offices. The shift was initially spearheaded by Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD), who aimed to double the naturalisations recorded in 2023 to reach 20,000 annually.

Discussing the improvements brought by the centralised system, Gramm said, “This makes our work much easier. Now, all applicants can submit the application online, and the documents can be viewed immediately by the authorities. There are no longer any personal consultations but a digital checklist. People only have to come to the authority once – to pick up the naturalisation certificate.”

According to local reports, the LEA has streamlined its operations, with some cases now processed in as little as four to six weeks.

The introduction of Germany’s New Citizenship Law in June has also contributed to the increase in naturalisation applications. Under the new legislation, applicants can acquire German citizenship within a shorter time frame and are no longer required to renounce their previous nationality.

Minister of Interior Nancy Faeser highlighted the inclusivity of the updated law, stating, “Anyone who shares our values ​​and makes an effort can now get a German passport more quickly and no longer has to give up part of their identity by giving up their old nationality. But we have also made it just as clear: anyone who does not share our values ​​cannot get a German passport.”

Faeser also emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitic, racist, or other discriminatory behaviors, underscoring that such actions disqualify individuals from obtaining citizenship.

In October, a spokesman for the Office for Migration disclosed that approximately 6,000 naturalisation applications had been submitted in Hamburg alone since the implementation of the new law on June 27.

By fLEXI tEAM