The option scheme in German citizenship law from the perspective of those affected by it , Date: 2012.06.27, format: project (finished), area: Authority , Qualitative study on perspectives and experiences of Optionspflichtige (persons required to choose between two nationalities)

The qualitative study of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees on the option scheme (section 29 of the Nationality Act [Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz – StAG]), begun in June 2010, examined a field on which virtually no research had been carried out. The results have been available since June 2012 in Research report 16.

Since 2000, children born in Germany to foreign parents have been able to acquire German nationality in addition to that of their parents under certain conditions. When reaching the age of majority, they must however opt for one nationality within a maximum period of five years. Since 2008, the first individuals who fall under this arrangement have been of an age where they are obliged to exercise this option.

The purpose of the study was to ascertain in detail the subjective points of view and experiences of this group of individuals, as well as the motives for their decisions. Additionally, it was to provide indications of the structure of the quantitative research project entitled "The naturalisation behaviour of foreigners in Germany", in which Optionspflichtige were also studied.

The qualitative study was carried out on the basis of 27 semi-structured interviews and a group discussion carried out in the greater Nuremberg area. The interlocutors here were both Optionspflichtige who had already opted for one nationality or were permitted to retain both nationalities, and those who were still in the process of reaching a decision.

The study also included minors who are required to choose between their nationalities, but for whom the administrative process with the nationality authority had not yet commenced.

The interviews focussed on the option process and on all related aspects (e.g. motives, decision-making, the role played by the social environment), as well as on general integration-related questions.