Commitment to Israel for naturalization in Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt

As of June 1, 2025, a new requirement for naturalization has been in effect in Brandenburg : Anyone wishing to apply for German citizenship must not only declare their loyalty to the free democratic basic order (FDGO) and the protection of Jewish life, as already required nationwide, but also explicitly recognize Israel's right to exist . Brandenburg is thus following the example of Saxony-Anhalt, where this regulation has been in effect since the end of 2023. For many applicants, this represents a further hurdle in the already complex naturalization process .

Background and political classification

The new obligation is attracting attention nationwide because it goes beyond the previously standardized declarations of loyalty . Brandenburg's Interior Minister René Wilke emphasizes that this is not an agreement with all of Israel's political decisions. Rather, the declaration represents a clear stance against anti-Semitism and for the protection of Jewish life in Germany. This line is also supported by the state's anti-Semitism commissioner, who sees the step as a courageous and correct signal. At the federal level, there are already calls to make a declaration of allegiance to Israel mandatory nationwide. Whether other states will follow suit is still open. Berlin, for example, is currently considering introducing it, while other federal states have not yet made a binding decision.

Which declarations are mandatory for naturalization

Regardless of additional state-specific requirements, all applicants in Germany must submit certain declarations of loyalty . These include a commitment to the free and democratic basic order, recognition of Germany's historical responsibility for the Nazi past, protection of Jewish life, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence among nations. In Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, this requirement now includes an explicit recognition of Israel's right to exist . Those who fail to submit this declaration do not meet the formal requirements for naturalization.

Further requirements for naturalization

In addition to these declarations, there are a number of other conditions that apply nationwide. Applicants must generally be able to support themselves independently, have no serious criminal record, not be in polygamous marriages, and must recognize the equality of men and women. In addition, they must demonstrate sufficient German language skills and knowledge of the legal and social system in Germany, which is usually demonstrated through language tests and the naturalization test . The multitude of these requirements poses a major challenge, especially for many immigrants who have been living and working in Germany for years.

Practical advice for those affected

Anyone wishing to become a naturalized citizen in Brandenburg or Saxony-Anhalt should inform themselves about the exact procedures in advance. In practice, the declaration of affiliation with Israel is usually made through a written declaration submitted to the naturalization authority. Since procedures can vary slightly from state to state, it is advisable to inquire with the responsible authority early on about the required form of declaration and how it should be included in the application. Anyone unsure should seek legal advice to avoid making mistakes that could delay or even fail the application.