Celebrating as the occasion arises? On the organisation of naturalisation ceremonies under the Nationality Act
Policy Brief | June 2026
Naturalisation ceremonies are well established in many countries of immigration; since 2024, they have also been enshrined in law in Germany following the reform of the Nationality Act. Naturalisation is more than just an administrative act: the presentation of the naturalisation certificate marks the conclusion of a process that is often lengthy and holds significant biographical and emotional importance for those being naturalised. In practice, local authorities organise naturalisation ceremonies in different ways.
In its policy brief, the scientific staff of the Expert Council on Integration and Migration (SVR) examines the expectations associated with naturalisation ceremonies and the impact they can have. The policy brief highlights how local authorities organise these ceremonies in practice.
