Germany’s Stateless Gain Citizenship at Record Pace

Germany’s Stateless See Hope as Citizenship Grants Surge by 400%

Germany has witnessed a significant increase in stateless individuals gaining citizenship, with numbers rising from 800 in 2020 to 4,100 in 2024. Meanwhile, the total count of recognised stateless people has slightly decreased to 28,800 by the end of last year. This shift mirrors broader changes in migration and legal recognition over the past decade.

For years, the number of stateless people in Germany remained stable. Between 2005 and 2013, records showed between 13,000 and 14,000 individuals without nationality. This trend changed dramatically after 2014, when refugee migration surged. By the end of 2023, the figure had nearly doubled, reaching 29,500.

Statelessness is often identified during residency or asylum applications. In 2024, nearly half (47%) of those recognised were born in Syria, where conflict and displacement have left many without legal nationality. Other cases stem from ethnic complexities and citizenship disputes, such as ethnic Kazakhs from Afghanistan who lost their Kazakh nationality due to identity disputes. Instability in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan has also pushed migrants into uncertain legal status.

Of the 28,800 stateless people recorded last year, 4,900 were born in Germany—17.1% of the total, up from 15.2% in 2018. The rest, 23,900, were born abroad. Men made up 57% of the group, while children and adolescents under 18 accounted for 24%.

Despite the overall decrease of 700 from 2023, the number of stateless individuals granted citizenship has grown significantly. This suggests more are resolving their legal status, though thousands remain in limbo.

The latest figures highlight both progress and ongoing challenges. More stateless people are securing citizenship, yet thousands still face unresolved legal status. The data also underscores how conflicts and ethnic disputes abroad continue to shape migration patterns in Germany.