Southwest region sees record high in naturalisation rates
Germany Sees Record High in Naturalizations, Especially in Baden-Württemberg
A significant surge in the number of people acquiring German citizenship has been observed across the country, with Baden-Württemberg leading the way. Last year, the region saw a 66.2% increase in naturalizations compared to the previous year, making it the highest number on record since the start of the survey 25 years ago.
According to the Statistical Office of the State, the increase in naturalizations can be attributed to a growing number of people meeting the requirements regarding the duration of residence. The strong immigration in the years 2014 to 2017 may have also contributed to this significant increase. Additionally, the number of naturalizations may have catch-up effects from previous years due to staffing levels and the duration of the proceedings.
In Baden-Württemberg, 37,806 foreigners received German citizenship last year. The average age of the naturalized persons was 31.6 years, which is around 12 years younger than the total population in the southwest. Most naturalizations occurred after a period of residence of eight or nine years.
Syrians (9,106) and Turkish nationals (3,849) were the most frequent recipients of German citizenship last year. While detailed naturalization numbers by nationality are not fully specified, Syrians and Turkish nationals have historically been among the largest groups applying for German citizenship.
The rise in naturalizations can be attributed to legal changes in 2024 that have made citizenship acquisition easier and quicker, notably allowing applicants to retain their original nationality if certain requirements are met. The digitalization of the naturalization process is also expanding throughout various cities, enabling full online applications and reducing processing times.
There has been some political debate over "turbo naturalizations," but German authorities defend these as efficient and secure. Some German states have introduced additional requirements related to recognizing Israel as a precondition for naturalization, reflecting regional policy variations.
With Germany planning to issue around 40,000 new naturalizations in 2025 by processing about 3,000 applications monthly, it seems that the trend of increasing naturalizations is set to continue. The naturalization system aims to be faster, more accessible, and to accommodate dual citizenship under new rules from 2024 onward.
The increase in naturalizations in Germany, particularly in Baden-Württemberg, is a significant development in general-news and migration politics. The growing number of people meeting residency requirements and the impact of past immigration are factors contributing to this surge in naturalizations, with a record-breaking 37,806 foreigners receiving German citizenship in Baden-Württemberg last year.
