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226 New Germans: Naturalization celebration in Geislingen thrilled!
On July 6, 2025, Geislingen an der Steige celebrated the naturalization of 226 new citizens, supported by changes in the law.
226 New Germans: Naturalization celebration in Geislingen thrilled!
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, numerous new fellow citizens gathered at the International Festival in der Rätsche in Geislingen to celebrate their new status as German citizens. Mayor Ignazio Ceffalia ceremoniously handed over the naturalization certificates to a total of 226 people, which is almost twice as many as in the previous year. This positive development is due to the recent change in the law on dual citizenship.
The new regulation, which came into force on June 27, 2024, brings with it some relief. Particularly noteworthy is the reduction in the minimum period of residence for naturalization from eight to five years; With special integration services, naturalization can even take place after three years. Lawyer.org reports that applicants are now allowed to retain their previous citizenship in many cases, which was often not possible before.
Celebrate cultural diversity
The naturalization ceremony was not only a formal act, but also a powerful expression of commitment to the values of our society. The Integration Council was honored with a special representative: Abdallah Arbae also received a certificate, documenting the commitment to integration work. The event was part of the broader theme of the international festival, which celebrated peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity in Geislingen.
The new German citizens come from a wide variety of countries of origin, including Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Nigeria and many more. This diversity shows how international our country is and how integration options can be designed. The decision to naturalize is not only a legal one, but also an emotional one: it represents the choice to become part of the German community.
Requirements and challenges
Naturalization in Germany is subject to certain conditions. Those interested must prove that they have been living legally in the country for at least five years and have sufficient knowledge of German. This can be proven by a naturalization test, which includes questions about democracy, society and history of Germany. The Federal Office for Migration provides the necessary information for this.
The new law, which now allows dual nationality to be taken into account for many applicants, was positively received. However, there are also critical voices that point to increased bureaucratic effort and possible conflicts of loyalty. Nevertheless, the successful completion of this process is a big step for many – towards a shared future in diversity.