Naturalization figures 2023 - highest level in 20 years!

The number of naturalizations in Germany reached a new 20-year record in 2023 with 200,095 new citizens, but the length of the process will be delayed by up to four years due to the high number of applications. More applicants are expected when the new Naturalization Act comes into force in June 2024, which could further increase waiting times.

Written by:

Philipp Donath

LL.M. Business Law

Naturalization figures in Germany reached 200,095 people in 2023, the highest level in 20 years, which is 18.56% more than in the previous year.
A sharp increase in naturalizations was recorded above all among people from Asia, especially from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran.
The process times for naturalization have increased and now take two to four years on average.
The new Naturalization Act, which comes into force in 2024, is expected to result in even longer waiting times due to increased application numbers.

Naturalizations in Germany reach record high - procedures take longer and longer

Naturalization figures increase by 18.56% compared to the previous year

The Federal Statistical Office published the naturalization statistics for 2023 yesterday evening. The number of naturalizations in Germany reached a new 20-year high in 2023. A total of 200,095 people were naturalized, which corresponds to an increase of 18.56% compared to the previous year. Despite this positive development, however, applicants are having to wait longer and longer for their Naturalization

Asia records the strongest increase

The sharp rise in naturalizations of people from Asia is particularly striking. Here, the number rose by an impressive 43.86% to 117,145 people. Naturalizations from Syria (56.01%), Afghanistan (55.05%), Iraq (57.15%) and Iran (34.03%) were the main contributors to this growth.

Decline in naturalizations from Europe

In contrast, the number of naturalizations from Europe fell by 9.88%. The United Kingdom and Turkey were particularly affected with a decrease of 43.41% and 24.75% respectively. Naturalizations from Kosovo (-24.20%) and Serbia (-16.96%) also fell significantly.

Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Romania: The top countries of origin of naturalized citizens in 2023

A closer look at the countries of origin of naturalized citizens in 2023 shows that Syria once again provided by far the most new German citizens. A total of 75,485 Syrians were naturalized, which corresponds to an impressive increase of 56.01% compared to the previous year. Iraq follows in second place with 10,710 naturalizations, closely followed by Turkey with 10,735 naturalizations. Romania ranks fourth among the top countries of origin with 7,575 naturalizations. Together, these four countries account for more than half of all naturalizations in 2023.

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Proceedings taking longer and longer

Despite the rising number of naturalization applications, applicants are having to wait longer and longer for their Naturalization . While it used to take around one year on average, the average process now takes between two and four years. The reason for this is the high number of applications that the authorities have to deal with.

Tips for a faster Naturalization

To speed up the process, applicants should make sure that they fill out the application completely and correctly and attach all required documents legibly. If you want to avoid long waiting times, you can also consider using Lawsuit for failure of act . This can shorten the duration of the procedure in many cases.

Overall, the current trend shows that more and more people want to be naturalized in Germany. The authorities are faced with the challenge of processing the increasing number of applications efficiently in order to shorten the duration of the procedure and facilitate the integration of new citizens.

Due to the new Naturalization Act, which comes into force on 27.06.2024, even longer waiting times are to be expected, as a large number of eligible persons will be added. The authorities will be confronted with the increased number of applications and will therefore require longer processing times in order to carefully examine all applications.