In Germany’s largest cities, applications for citizenship are being approved at strikingly high rates.
Figures from the first half of 2025 show that in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, rejections have become rare exceptions.
Big-city approval rates
Berlin authorities decided on more than 20,000 applications during the first six months of this year, with only around three percent denied.
Hamburg recorded nearly flawless statistics: more than 5,700 people were granted a German passport, while just 14 requests were turned down.
Munich followed a similar pattern, with over 3,800 approvals against only 10 rejections.
Concerns about democratic commitment
Despite the positive numbers, Germany’s Federal Interior Ministry has voiced concern that some applicants may not fully understand the democratic pledge required in the process.
The ministry wants to make personal interviews mandatory, ensuring that naturalization does not become a purely bureaucratic exercise based only on documents. CDU politician Alexander Throm stressed that genuine commitment to democratic values must remain a central part of the procedure.
Calls for stricter verification
Security experts have also raised alarms about falsified documents. SPD parliamentarian Sebastian Fiedler argued that authorities must put stronger checks in place to verify the authenticity of certificates, particularly language credentials, which are often manipulated.
The German Association of Counties has likewise warned that forged papers are an ongoing challenge, with increasingly sophisticated methods being used.
Political criticism and integration debate
Green Party lawmaker Filiz Polat, on the other hand, accused the federal government of obstructing integration with restrictive measures.
She emphasized that studies consistently show citizenship enhances the social, political and economic participation of immigrants.
According to Polat, creating additional hurdles would harm both integration efforts and Germany’s economy.
Digital pre-check in Berlin
Berlin has introduced a digital screening system to improve efficiency. Applicants first complete an online tool that verifies whether all basic requirements are met.
Only when full documentation and the application fee of €255 are submitted does the naturalization process formally begin.
