Germany grants record citizenship to nearly 310,000 in 2025 after legal reforms
Germany has granted citizenship to a record-breaking number of people in 2025. Official figures show 309,852 individuals across 14 federal states became German citizens last year. This surge follows recent legal reforms and a wave of eligibility among long-term residents. The previous peak occurred in 2024, with 291,955 citizenship approvals. However, 2025 saw even higher numbers, partly due to changes in the law. New rules now allow dual citizenship and reduce the residency requirement from eight to five years.
Many of those naturalised arrived during the 2015 and 2016 migration wave. After meeting the residency threshold, they became eligible for citizenship. Berlin reported a particularly sharp rise, with nearly twice as many approvals as the year before. Brandenburg also experienced a significant increase, with a 25% jump in citizenship acquisitions. The number of Turkish and Russian nationals gaining German passports has grown notably. Additionally, Ukrainians may start applying in large numbers from 2027, once they meet residency requirements.
The 2025 reforms have made citizenship more accessible, leading to a surge in applications. With 309,852 new citizens, Germany has set a new record. Further increases are expected as more long-term residents become eligible in the coming years.
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