In 2024, Germany experienced a sharp increase in the number of foreigners who became naturalized citizens. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 292,000 people were granted German citizenship. This represents an increase of 46 percent compared to the previous year. According to a statement by the authority, this sharp rise in the number of naturalizations is closely linked to the Citizenship Reform Act, which came into force in June 2024.
Syrians at the top – Russians and Turks with sharp increase
Syrian nationals top the list of naturalized citizens for the third time in a row, accounting for more than a quarter of all naturalized citizens (28 percent). In 2024, that figure was more than 83,000. This means that 236,675 Syrians have been naturalized since 2019.
They are followed at a considerable distance by people with Turkish (8 percent), Iraqi (5 percent), Russian (4 percent), and Afghan (3 percent) citizenship.
Russian citizens made the biggest leap, with their numbers rising from just under 2,000 in 2023 to almost 13,000 in 2024.
The number of naturalized Turkish citizens has more than doubled since the change in the law allowing dual citizenship and now stands at over 22,000.
Significant differences in length of residence prior to naturalization
The average length of residence in Germany at the time of naturalization was 11.8 years in 2024. The data show large differences in the number of years of residence prior to naturalization depending on nationality:
Syrian nationals: 7.4 years (2023: 6.8 years). Iraqi nationals: 8.7 years (2023: 8.8). Afghans: 8.9 years (9.2). Russians: 14.5 years (2023: 14.4). Turks: 23.1 years (2023: 23.3 years).
Government plans to restrict fast-track naturalization
The new federal government wants to abolish the fast-track naturalization program introduced by the previous government. Instead of after three years, German passports will then be issued after five years at the earliest.
For more information:
Federal Statistical Office | Naturalizations
tun25061004