Reports indicate that Germany experienced a record number of naturalizations in 2024, the highest since statistics began in 2000. Preliminary data from 13 federal states show a total of 249,901 people received German citizenship last year. This surpasses the 2023 figure of 200,095, which was already a record.
A reform of citizenship law took effect on June 27, 2024, potentially contributing to the increase. The reform allows immigrants to obtain German citizenship faster, after five years instead of eight. However, the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition aims to reverse the "turbo naturalization" option, which allowed naturalization after three years for exceptional integration achievements.
Other aspects of the citizenship law reform remain unchanged. The CDU, CSU, and SPD intend to maintain the reduced waiting period for ordinary naturalization (from eight to five years) and the permission for dual citizenship. The director general of the German Association of Cities, Helmut Dedy, noted that many who arrived during the 2015 and 2016 refugee waves are now applying for citizenship.