The count of Germans obtaining citizenship in the nation reaches a new peak.
2023: Germany Naturalizes a Record Number of Foreigners
For the first time in 2023, Germany welcomed more foreigners than ever before, with a 19% increase from the year before, totaling 200,100 individuals, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office. This is a record since tracking this data began in 2000.
"157 different nationalities became German citizens," announced the Federal Office. Syrians led the pack, accounting for over a third (38%) of these new citizens. Others hailed from Turkey, Iraq, Romania, and Afghanistan, accounting for more than half (56%) of all naturalizations.
These new citizens had an average age of 29.3 years old, distinctly younger than the nation's general population (44.6). Despite this, women made up a smaller percentage at 45% compared to the overall population (50%). Syrians were the most prominent group, with 75,500 people being naturalized, an increase of 56% from 2022. Their average age was 24.5 years old, and 64% were male. Prior to their citizenship, these individuals had resided in Germany for an average of 6.8 years.
The significant number of Syrians and Syrians' citizenships, statisticians explained, can be attributed to the large number of Syrian asylum seekers who arrived between 2014 and 2016. "Now, as these individuals are meeting the requirements for naturalization – including language skills and the mandatory residence time," they said. Spouses and minor children can also be naturalized without having to fulfill the minimum residency requirement.
Numbering 21,400, Turkish and Iraqi citizens made up the second-largest group. The number of naturalized Iraqi citizens increased by 3,900 or 57%, while the number of Turkish citizens decreased by 3,500 or a quarter. Romanian citizens also saw an 8% rise to 7,600, and Afghans by 55% to 6,500.
Naturalizations of Ukrainian citizens saw a 6% increase to 5,900. After a decrease from 2021 to 2022 due to Russian attacks, from 1,900 to 5,600, they now represent 3% of all naturalizations from the previous year.
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The record number of naturalizations in 2023 surpassed the previous highest count, with over 200,100 individuals becoming German citizens. Among these new citizens, Syrians had the highest share, accounting for about 38% of the total naturalizations.
In 2023, Syria held the leading position in terms of natualizations, as Syrians made up a record high number of individuals obtaining German citizenship. The significant increase in Syrian naturalizations can be attributed to the large number of Syrian asylum seekers who arrived in Germany during 2014-2016.
Germany's 2023 naturalization record was significantly influenced by the high number of Syrian citizens becoming German, with over 75,500 individuals obtaining German citizenship, marking a 56% increase from the previous year.
Source: www.ntv.de
