I am officially a German citizen!! Writeup on my naturalization
This is an update to my last post which has the details and timeline of my application process. I am now officially a German citizen!
The naturalization appointment was super fast. I was in and out in 10 minutes. I handed over the requested original documents and while the Sachbearbeiterin made copies of them, I read and signed a few last papers. I was asked to read a few specific sentences aloud, and then we both stood up for her to hand me my Urkunde (I teared up a little!).
She shared three additional things with me after that:
- First, she said that this is the only copy of the certificate that I will receive, so to take care of it. If it is lost somewhere, they will provide a confirmation that you are a citizen but no replacement certificate.
- Second, there was a discrepancy with the way my place of birth was listed on my birth certificate and passport. I got an extra document so I can clear up the discrepancy for the creation of any further documents (passport etc).
- Third, I was asked if I'd like to be invited to a naturalization celebration at the Rathaus (I am in Hamburg). I said yes, and she said I'd receive an invitation about two weeks in advance and that I am allowed to bring one guest.
In Hamburg they constantly release last minute appointments for things like IDs and passports, so I had kept an eye out over the last couple days and was able to apply for them just a few hours after my naturalization appointment (in another part of town). That went smoothly as well. The Sachbearbeiterin had to ask a colleague about my place of birth discrepancy, but it was no problem.
After living as a foreigner here for nearly nine years, it feels absolutely insane that I will never set foot in the Ausländerbehörde again. It's surreal, but I think things will feel more real once I receive my Perso and Pass 😄 Good luck to everyone else who is on their way!