Only four turbo naturalizations in Hesse: reform criticized!

Only four turbo naturalizations in Hesse: reform criticized!

A look at the current naturalization situation in Hesse shows: The so-called turbo naturalizations are rather rare. So far, only four immigrants have successfully completed the procedure, despite the reform introduced by the federal government, which since June 27, 2024 has made it possible to acquire German citizenship after just three years if you can demonstrate special integration achievements. This reform effectively came after a legal change that reduced the regular length of stay for naturalization from eight to five years. Since then, the number of naturalization applications in Hesse has increased significantly: from June 2024 to May 2025, a total of 39,554 applications were processed, an increase compared to 30,486 applications in the same period last year. This is reported by n-tv.

The possibilities of turbo naturalization are viewed critically by Hesse's Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU). He sees the introduction as a mistake and calls for stricter requirements for naturalization. Overloading naturalization authorities is another issue that needs to be addressed, as the average processing time for applications in 2024 was two years.

Planned changes in immigration policy

The federal government is also continuing to actively pursue the issue of naturalization. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has announced that turbo naturalization may be abolished again in order to reduce illegal migration and eliminate so-called “pull factors”. According to a survey of the federal states, naturalization in the fast-track process is a rarity overall, although Hesse only performs well to a limited extent with its four turbo naturalizations. In contrast, in Berlin, where 500 turbo naturalizations took place, a completely different picture emerges when it comes to the availability of these quick naturalization options. ZDF reports.

The changes discussed also include the suspension of family reunification for persons with subsidiary protection. A central point of the new coalition's migration policy is also to strengthen immigration and the integration of skilled workers. In particular, the immigration of skilled workers should be promoted through initiatives such as a “work-and-stay agency” in order to recruit talented employees from abroad. This could also have a positive impact on the economic situation.

Naturalizations on record

On the other hand, it shows that the total number of naturalizations in Germany is on record. In 2023, 200,095 naturalizations were completed, an increase that was positively influenced, among other things, by the immigration of Syrians between 2014 and 2016, as they now meet the requirements. These figures illustrate the urgent need to make the naturalization process efficient in order to accommodate the large number of applications.

Overall, naturalization policy in Hesse and Germany remains exciting and could take a few turns in the coming months due to the planned reforms and the ongoing discussion about integration services. It remains to be hoped that a balance can be struck between strict requirements and the integration of new citizens. You can also find information about this on RT Partner.