Jena, September 24, 2026 – The city of Jena has ceremoniously granted German citizenship to 304 people from 49 nations during the first half of the year. Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche welcomed the new citizens in a town hall foyer filled to capacity.
- Event: Ceremonial naturalization ceremony for the first half of 2026
- Participants: 304 new citizens (142 women, 162 men) from 49 nations
- Location: Rathausdiele Jena
- Keynote Speaker: Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche
Economic significance for the location
In his address, Lord Mayor Nitzsche highlighted the fundamental importance of immigration for the city’s economic future. In view of demographic change, Jena faces major challenges. By the end of the decade, about one-third of the workforce will retire, while only a fraction can be replaced by local young talent. The influx of skilled workers and committed individuals is therefore essential to secure the region’s economic strength.
Among the newly naturalized citizens, the majority come from Syria, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine; in addition, ten stateless persons were accepted. Alongside personal life stories and backgrounds, the event also focused on the requirements for obtaining citizenship.
Requirements and development of naturalizations
The granting of German citizenship is tied to strict legal criteria. Key requirements include:
- Legal residence in Germany, usually for at least five years
- Sufficient German language skills
- A successfully passed naturalization test on the German legal and social order
- Commitment to the free democratic basic order
- Independent financial self-sufficiency without social assistance or citizen’s allowance (Bürgergeld)
Statistics from recent years show a continuous increase in naturalization numbers in Jena. While around 30 people received citizenship annually until 2010, the figure rose in subsequent years and has remained consistently above the 70-person mark since 2018. After more than 200 naturalizations in 2023 and 333 in 2024, the city recorded a preliminary high of 564 individuals in 2025.
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Background: Integration and cultural program
In addition to the official speeches, personal accounts from new citizens from Turkey, Romania, and France provided insights into the motivations behind naturalization. The cultural program of the event was organized by the association MIG e.V., which advocates for the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups and cultures in Jena.
Source:
City of Jena welcomes new citizens
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI assistance.