Many Turks Are Applying for German Citizenship

In recent years, the number of Turkish citizens obtaining German citizenship has increased significantly. In 2024, this figure surpassed 22,000 — a 110% increase compared to the previous year. This shows a growing demand for citizenship among Turks living in Germany. Several key reasons explain this trend: bureaucratic convenience, dissatisfaction with political and economic conditions in Turkey, and the new possibility of holding dual citizenship.

The first reason is that citizenship offers practical advantages for those wishing to live and work in Germany. For example, lawyer Alaz Sumer came to Germany to study and has since continued living and working there. According to him, obtaining citizenship helps avoid heavy bureaucracy, as applying for and renewing a residence permit is complex and time-consuming.

The second reason is the strength of the German passport. IT specialist Burak Keceli, who has lived in Germany for years and learned the language, says that citizenship allows him to participate in political processes and travel visa-free. According to the 2025 Global Passport Index, a German passport allows visa-free access to 131 countries, compared to only 75 with a Turkish passport.

The third reason is the 2024 citizenship law reforms. Now, dual citizenship is allowed, which is a major incentive for people who want to live permanently in Germany without cutting ties with their home country. Additionally, the residency requirement for naturalization was shortened from eight years to five, allowing more people to become citizens faster.

However, feeling fully "at home" in Germany is not always easy. Many Turks, including Alaz Sumer and Burak Keceli, still consider themselves Turkish despite living in Germany. They continue to call Turkey home, maintaining family ties, cultural connections, and emotional bonds there.

According to Germany's Deutsche Welle, political repression and economic crisis in Turkey are also driving emigration. Over the past ten years, the Turkish lira has drastically devalued. A lack of freedom for academic and professional activity is another reason pushing people to leave. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!