The number of people obtaining German citizenship has increased significantly following reforms that eased the country’s naturalization laws. According to local media reports, more than 300,000 people received German citizenship in 2025.
Data published by the weekly newspaper Welt am Sonntag showed that at least 309,852 individuals were granted German passports this year. In comparison, the figure stood at around 292,000 in the previous year.
Germany introduced major changes to its citizenship law in mid-2024. The revised legislation allowed dual citizenship and reduced the minimum residency requirement for naturalization from eight years to five. Applications have risen steadily since the reforms took effect.
Statistics show that Syrians made up the largest group among those granted citizenship in 2024, followed by Turkish nationals.
Analysts believe applications from Ukrainian refugees could also increase significantly over the next few years. Many Ukrainians who sought refuge in Germany after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 are expected to meet the residency requirement for citizenship by 2027.
German officials believe many Ukrainians may choose to pursue citizenship in order to secure long-term legal stability and permanent residence in the country.