This year’s figures are nearly twice the number of applications for naturalisation registered in 2023, during which period the average per month was 220, EU Helpers reports.

The increase in the number of applications for naturalisation in Hanover is attributed to the new law that simplifies the process of becoming a German citizen.

A total of 2,532 applications for naturalisation have been received for a period from January 1, 2024, until June 26, 2024.

Hanover Needs More Workers to Handle Citizenship Applications

Due to the high interest in applying for the German passport, Hanover still needs an additional 23 workers to handle the applications.

According to local media reports, the city administration had expected an increase in the number of applications which led to an increase in its pool of jobs in the immigration office in the area of naturalisation from 15 to 53 before the changes in the law.

A spokesperson from the administration said that just 30 of these positions have been filled up to this point, mainly due to a shortage of skilled workers.

The same notes that the current average waiting time for a deadline for the new naturalisation request is eleven weeks at present.

German Citizenship Can Now Be Obtained Within a Shorter Period of Time

In June this year, authorities in Germany introduced the New Citizenship Law which permits internationals to acquire citizenship within a shorter period.

Besides, through the new law, foreigners interested in acquiring German citizenship are not required to renounce their previous nationality.

Back then, the Minister of Interior of Germany, Nancy Faeser said that all foreigners living in Germany who meet the needed requirements and share the same values will be eligible to acquire citizenship in this country more quickly.

However, the Minister said that there would be no tolerance for internationals with antisemitic, racist or other similar behaviour.

Soon after its implementation, the country’s authorities noted a surge in interest in information related to the process of acquiring German citizenship.

When it comes to acquiring citizenship, Germany is among the main options for foreigners. Last year alone, nearly 200,100 citizenships were granted, in spite of the new citizenship law not being implemented back then.