Press releases

This year, the City of Aachen’s naturalization ceremony was once again held in a festive setting in the Europasaal at the Eurogress. In keeping with tradition, the City of Aachen honored those who had acquired German citizenship in the past year. In 2025, more than 2,000 people of various nationalities in Aachen were granted German citizenship. This thoroughly successful and dignified event focused on the numerous newly naturalized residents of Aachen who had accepted the invitation from Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons.

Mayor Ziemons: Naturalization Is a Significant Step
Following a record year in 2024 with a total of 2,326 naturalizations, the positive trend continued in 2025 with 2,015 naturalizations. New citizens are traditionally invited to a naturalization ceremony the following year. Around 800 guests attended the ceremony; the Europasaal provided a fitting and festive setting for the occasion. In his speech, Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons praised this development as impressive and warmly welcomed the newly naturalized citizens into Aachen’s civic community. “Naturalization is far more than a formal act. It stands for belonging, responsibility, and the desire to actively help shape the future of our city. The fact that so many people have chosen Aachen as their home is a great asset to our city’s community. With their stories, experiences, and skills, they shape the diverse and cosmopolitan Aachen of today and tomorrow,” said Ziemons.

In an interactive discussion format, the mayor, City Region Council member Dr. Tim Grüttemeier, and the chair of the Committee on Equal Opportunity and Integration, Baran Yenen, discussed the importance of naturalization, participation, and integration in Aachen, the opportunities and challenges involved, and the possibility of shaping policy.

An Emotional and Personal Atmosphere
: The interviews with newly naturalized citizens also provided some particularly emotional moments. Dalia Sino, Zaineb Kassouy, Salim Atakhanov, and Senida Döpgen gave moving accounts of their personal journeys, experiences, and motivations. These diverse life stories, setbacks, and career paths created a very personal and lively atmosphere.

The “FLOW” choir from the Aachen Music School, conducted by Luc Nelissen, provided the festive musical backdrop with a diverse repertoire as well as energetic, rousing, and specially arranged cover versions.

Naturalization Brings Additional Opportunities and Prospects
: German citizenship opens the door to numerous rights and opportunities. These include, in particular, the right to vote and run for office, which enables direct participation in democratic decision-making processes—including at the local level in Aachen. Furthermore, opportunities in professional life and education expand, for example through access to certain degree programs, support programs, and career fields. In an international context as well, this often results in easier travel conditions and additional freedoms.

The 2026 naturalization ceremony impressively demonstrated just how diverse and vibrant Aachen’s urban community is. It provided the new citizens with a festive setting to celebrate this important milestone together and to welcome them into the city’s community.