Published: 14.10.2026
By the end of 2025, 284,225 Russian citizens were registered in Germany, a decline attributed mainly to naturalisations rather than mass departures. The 2024 reform reduced the standard residence period for naturalisation from eight to five years and allowed dual citizenship; 12,980 Russian citizens became German citizens in 2024 and 19,736 in 2025.
According to the source, the decline in the number of Russian citizens recorded in Germany increasingly reflects naturalisation rather than departure. For people planning a long-term move, the figures underline the practical importance of the five-year naturalisation route and the possibility of retaining previous citizenship when other requirements are met. The accelerated three-year route was abolished after the change of government in 2025. This is worth noting for prospective applicants because residence duration and preparation for the standard procedure remain central.
- 🤔 dw.com