The number of naturalizations in Saxony increased significantly last year. According to the Ministry of the Interior, 4,408 people from abroad were granted German citizenship. This was 1,804 more than in 2023, which corresponds to an increase of 41 percent. So-called turbo naturalization after a shortened period of residence of only three years has only occurred in individual cases to date, as a search in districts and independent cities revealed.
Due to the legal changes that came into force as part of the reform in June 2024, the previous citizenship can be retained. In addition, five years of residence in Germany is now sufficient instead of the previous eight years. Good educational or professional achievements for integration can shorten the period to up to three years. However, the new federal government wants to reverse this regulation.
Record high since 2000
The number of naturalizations nationwide rose to a record high last year due to the legal changes. For Saxony, it is the highest figure for 25 years. The last time it was above the 4,000 mark was in 1999 - a year earlier, more than 8,200 people of foreign origin became German citizens in the Free State.
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