"The fact that the new citizens say 'I want to belong, I want to participate' is a great gift and a great compliment," said Lord Mayor Florian Janik in his speech. The only request Janik made to those present: "Be a confident citizen: in elections, in associations and institutions." The city supports them as best it can, but is also dependent on their cooperation.
In his welcoming address, Rami Boukhachem, Chairman of the Foreigners' and Integration Advisory Council, emphasized: "Diversity makes our city vibrant, innovative and safer". Having recently received his German passport, he spoke on this evening both as a new citizen and as Chairman of the Foreigners and Integration Advisory Council.
Tatiana Ghrekhovodova then explained her motivation for becoming a naturalized citizen. Maxim Chaunin was symbolically presented with his German passport by Lord Mayor Florian Janik. The musical contributions of the "Rhythmcats" from the Erlangen Singing & Music School created a festive atmosphere.
Naturalizations in numbers
Due to the changes and modernizations in citizenship law, Erlangen has seen a significant increase in naturalization applications. The numbers already rose significantly last year:
- In 2024, a total of 1518 applications were submitted and 638 people were naturalized.
- By the end of March 2025, there were already 449 applications and 200 naturalizations. This is an enormous increase, especially compared to 2022 with a total of 294 naturalizations and 778 applications.
The five most represented countries of origin are Syria, Iraq, India, Ukraine and Iran.
The city of Erlangen has been inviting people to naturalization ceremonies since 2000. At that time, it was the second city in Bavaria to host such an event.
Photo: Office for Equal Opportunities and Diversity - Lord Mayor Florian Janik during his speech.
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Anti-discrimination
We are committed to anti-discrimination: For us, all cultures are equal, as are all genders, sexual identities and people with severe disabilities. What's more, we are convinced that diversity enriches us. That is why we are happy when Erlangen is as diverse as possible.
Equality & gender equality
The Equal Opportunities Office supports all residents of Erlangen and the employees of Erlangen City Council. We want to realize the fundamental right to gender equality in all areas of social life and see this as a cross-sectional task.
LGBTQIA*
The abbreviation LGBTQIA* stands for "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer*, Inter and Asexual*". The asterisk keeps the space free for diversity categories.
International relations
As an important science and business location, we have excellent international connections. Erlangen maintains relationships with 17 municipalities around the world.
Anti-discrimination
We are committed to anti-discrimination: For us, all cultures are equal, as are all genders, sexual identities and people with severe disabilities. What's more, we are convinced that diversity enriches us. That is why we are happy when Erlangen is as diverse as possible.
Equality & gender equality
The Equal Opportunities Office supports all residents of Erlangen and the employees of Erlangen City Council. We want to realize the fundamental right to gender equality in all areas of social life and see this as a cross-sectional task.
LGBTQIA*
The abbreviation LGBTQIA* stands for "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer*, Inter and Asexual*". The asterisk keeps the space free for diversity categories.
International relations
As an important science and business location, we have excellent international connections. Erlangen maintains relationships with 17 municipalities around the world.