98 percent of former refugees want a German passport
According to the DIW, over 98% of refugees who came to Germany between 2013 and 2019 stated that they either already have German citizenship, had applied for it or wanted to apply for it. Only around 1.5% do not want a German passport.
"The figures make it clear that almost all refugees are seeking a permanent perspective in Germany," says Jörg Hartmann, co-author of the study.
The willingness to naturalize is particularly high among refugees from Syria: According to the study, 13.1% of them already held a German passport in 2023 - significantly more than asylum seekers from other countries of origin such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Somalia or Iran.
Number of naturalizations and applications rises sharply
The number of naturalizations among those who came to Germany between 2013 and 2019 has also risen in recent years: from 2.1 percent (2021) to 7.5 percent (2023).
The increase in applications is even more pronounced: from 7.3% to 25.7%. In 2021, 89.3 percent of refugees stated that they had not yet submitted an application but intended to do so in the future.
It is worth noting that the vast majority of new citizens have retained their original citizenship. In 2023, the proportion of naturalized citizens with dual citizenship was 88%.
Dual citizenship possible in Germany since 2024
Germany has only actually allowed dual citizenship since June 2024, meaning that those wishing to naturalize had to renounce their previous citizenship beforehand if they wanted to obtain a German passport.
However, even then there were exceptions, which were set out in Section 12 StAG ("Acceptance of multiple nationality"). These applied to recognized refugees and people at risk of persecution. Citizens of countries that do not allow citizenship to be released or only allow it under difficult conditions were also affected.
Many refugees from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq or Syria were therefore already covered by these regulations under the old law and were able to obtain German citizenship in addition to their original citizenship.
Why the German passport is so valuable
For many refugees from non-EU countries, German citizenship brings numerous advantages, including
- Protection against deportation, even if the legal situation changes
- Unrestricted right of residence and travel in the EU
- Political participation through active and passive voting rights
- Access to professions in the public sector or in security-relevant areas
- Visa-free travel to 189 countries worldwide
- Simplified family reunification
According to the study, however, only a few plan to return home. For most refugees, a German passport is a key step towards security, opportunities and social participation.
What are the requirements for Naturalization in 2025?
Anyone wishing to apply for German citizenship must fulfill the following conditions:
- Duration of residence: As a rule, at least five years of legal and habitual residence in Germany. In exceptional cases three years.
- Residence status: An unlimited right of residence (Settlement permit) or a permanent residence permit that is approved for Naturalization .
- Clarified identity and nationality: National passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable.
- Language skills: German language skills at least at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- Naturalization test: Proof of knowledge of the legal and social order as well as living conditions in Germany (Life in Germany Test).
- Livelihood: Independent means of subsistence for yourself and any dependents entitled to maintenance - without social assistance or citizen's allowance.
- Commitment to the free democratic basic order: Including Germany's special historical responsibility (e.g. protection of Jewish life) and the peaceful coexistence of peoples.
- Criminal offenses: No convictions for criminal offenses (exceptions for offenses up to 90 daily rates).
