International

War & Migration Drive Rise in German Citizenship

A record number of foreigners were granted German citizenship in 2023.

The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) announced that approximately 200,100 individuals from 157 countries became German citizens, representing a 19% increase (31,000 people) compared to 2022, according to a report by DW.

Over a third (38%, or more than 75,000 people) of the new German citizens hail from Syria. This figure marks a significant rise of 56% compared to 2022. Destatis attributes this increase to the fact that more individuals who fled Syria during the 2014-2016 conflict now meet the requirements for German citizenship, including residency duration and German language proficiency.

Ukrainians represent the second-largest nationality group to receive German citizenship last year, with 5,900 individuals granted citizenship. This number reflects a 6% increase compared to 2022. The substantial rise in Ukrainian citizenship approvals in 2022 (from 900 in 2021 to 5,600) is attributed to the ongoing Russian aggression.

Turks and Iraqis follow closely behind Ukrainians, with approximately 10,700 people from each country receiving German citizenship in 2023.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

Bogdan Nigai

Bogdan Nigai

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