Germany granted citizenship to a record 291,955 foreigners in 2024 – a historic peak since citizenship statistics began in 2000, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) in Wiesbaden.
Among them, 2,805 were citizens of North Macedonia, a dramatic rise compared to only 665 Macedonian nationals naturalized in 2023 – more than a fourfold increase.
Of the newly naturalized Macedonians, 1,375 were men and 1,430 were women, with an average age of 30.8 years. Around 560 were minors, reflecting a strong trend of entire families settling in Germany long-term.
The Western Balkans Are Making a Move
North Macedonia wasn’t alone. Citizens from the Western Balkans made up a significant share of new German citizens:
Kosovo: 7,480
Serbia: 4,675
Bosnia and Herzegovina: 3,905
Albania: 3,115
Montenegro: 355
The figures suggest a broader shift in migration trends across Southeast Europe, where Germany remains a top destination for both economic migrants and long-term residents seeking stability and opportunity.
Why the Boom? It’s Not Just the Economy
The sharp increase in naturalizations comes just months after Germany’s new citizenship law came into force in June 2024. The reforms allow dual citizenship and shorten the required residency period from eight to five years – or even three years for those with strong academic or professional achievements.
Roughly seven percent of all new German citizens in 2024 qualified under these fast-track provisions, according to Destatis.
Syrians Top the List – But Russian Numbers Exploded
Syrians made up the largest group of new citizens, accounting for 28 percent of all naturalizations. They were followed by:
Turks (8%)
Iraqis (5%)
Russians (4%)
Afghans (3%)
Notably, the number of Russian nationals receiving German passports skyrocketed by 551 percent, reaching 12,980 in 2024 – likely a reflection of geopolitical tensions and growing emigration from Russia.