In 2024, Germany saw a dramatic increase in the number of Turkish nationals becoming German citizens. According to immigration statistics, more than 22,500 Turkish citizens were granted German passports—more than double the number compared to 2023. This 110% jump has put Turkey just behind Syria in the list of countries with the highest number of new German citizens.
This sharp rise is not a coincidence. Several major changes in German law, along with economic and political problems in Turkey, have made citizenship more attractive than ever. For many Turkish residents who have lived, studied, and worked in Germany for years, becoming a citizen is not just about paperwork. It’s about being able to fully participate in society and enjoy the practical benefits of holding a German passport.
What’s Driving This Sudden Increase?
One of the main reasons for the rise is Germany’s citizenship reform, which took effect in June 2024. This reform allows people to keep their original citizenship while also becoming German. Before this law, most non-EU nationals had to give up their old passports to become German. This was a hard decision for many Turkish migrants, who still have strong emotional and family ties to Turkey.
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The new dual citizenship rule has changed everything. Now, Turkish people no longer have to choose between two worlds—they can be part of both. This has been a huge motivation for people who had been putting off applying for citizenship.
Another major change is the shorter residency requirement. Previously, migrants had to live in Germany for eight years before they could apply. The new rule, introduced by the last government, brought this down to five years. For some highly integrated individuals, it was even as short as three years. Though the new government removed the three-year path in May 2025, the five-year rule remains, making citizenship more accessible to many long-term residents.
A German passport also brings freedom of travel. It ranks fifth globally in the 2025 Global Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 131 countries. In comparison, a Turkish passport only allows travel to 75 countries without a visa. This added mobility is especially appealing to professionals, students, and businesspeople who travel often.
Problems in Turkey Add More Pressure
While German reforms opened the door, trouble back in Turkey pushed many through it. Over the past years, Turkey has been facing serious political and economic challenges. Many people no longer feel they can live freely or safely there. Reports of restricted freedom of speech, press limitations, and arrests of opposition leaders have made people worry about the future of democracy in the country.
At the same time, Turkey’s economy has seen a major downfall. Inflation is extremely high. Just a decade ago, one euro was worth about 2.3 Turkish lira. Today, it’s nearly 46 lira. Everyday life has become very expensive for many families in Turkey. The hope for a “better life” abroad is now stronger than ever.
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For Turkish citizens already living in Germany, these developments are a turning point. They no longer see Turkish citizenship alone as enough for long-term stability and opportunity. Even those who say they still love their homeland are now choosing to hold a second passport.
Despite having German citizenship, many Turkish immigrants still say they feel more connected to their roots. Some express that even with a German passport, they face daily discrimination—for example, in housing or job applications, where names that don’t sound German may lead to fewer responses.