Germany experienced a record increase in the number of foreigners receiving citizenship in 2024. The Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden reported that 291,955 people were granted German citizenship last year, marking the highest figure ever. This reflects a substantial 46% rise compared to 2023, when 200,095 citizenships were granted.
The sharp rise in naturalizations is primarily attributed to a major reform of German citizenship law enacted in June 2024. The reform shortened the required period of residence for naturalization from eight years to five years. Additionally, in cases of exceptional integration, such as outstanding academic or professional achievements, naturalization can now be granted after just three years of residence. The new law also permits applicants to retain their previous nationality, a shift that encourages more people to apply.
Among those naturalized, the largest group came from Syria, accounting for 28% of all new citizens. Other common nationalities included:
Notably, the number of Russians naturalized increased dramatically, from roughly 1,995 in 2023 to nearly 12,980 in 2024, a staggering 551% increase. This growth reflects both the law changes and broader migration trends.
Most naturalizations were granted under the new five-year residence rule. In addition, many benefited from provisions allowing spouses and children of German citizens to become naturalized even if they hadn’t yet fulfilled the five-year residence requirement. These two categories together made up 86% of naturalizations.
Only about 7% of new citizens qualified under the special rule for those demonstrating exceptional integration, such as high educational or professional accomplishments.
Despite the shorter legal requirements, the average length of residence before naturalization remained relatively long at 11.8 years in 2024, slightly higher than the 10.9 years recorded the previous year. For Syrians, this average was 7.4 years, indicating faster integration for some groups.
The naturalization rate measures the share of foreign nationals in Germany who become citizens annually. Among the highest naturalization rates in 2024 were:
The record surge in naturalizations reflects the impact of Germany’s updated citizenship law, with diverse nationalities benefiting from shorter residency requirements and new eligibility rules. These figures follow closely on the heels of new legislative measures designed to tighten immigration controls, it remains to be seen how these will influence citizenship trends in the coming years.
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