The number of Syrian nationals residing in Germany is decreasing, but not due to increased departures. A parliamentary inquiry reveals that naturalization is the primary driver of this statistical shift.
Syrian Population in Germany Declines Through Naturalization
As of late November, 940,401 Syrian citizens were living in Germany, according to a response from the Federal Government to a request from the Left Party parliamentary group. More than half of these individuals – 512,348 – have been granted recognized protection status. This figure is down from approximately 974,000 Syrian citizens registered in the Foreigners Central Register (AZR) one year prior.
Syria has been among the top three countries of origin for individuals naturalized in Germany over the past three years. Once a person receives German citizenship through naturalization, their name is removed from the AZR, even if they retain their original citizenship or continue to be considered a citizen by their country of origin.
Record Numbers of Syrian Naturalizations
The most recent figures on naturalizations show a significant increase in 2024, with 291,955 individuals gaining German citizenship – a record number. Of these, 83,150 were Syrian nationals, representing more than one in four. In 2023, over 75,000 Syrians were already naturalized.
The changing numbers come amid debate over the situation in Syria. In October, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) drew criticism for stating the conditions in Syria were worse than in Germany in 1945. He later maintained that a return to destroyed areas, such as Damascus, was currently severely limited.
As of late November 2025, only 3,707 people from Syria had voluntarily returned to their country with state financial support. Currently, 10,253 Syrian nationals in Germany are subject to deportation orders, though all but 884 are currently being allowed to remain – a status known as “tolerated.” This status is granted when deportation is temporarily suspended due to various factors, including family ties, legal obstacles, or health concerns.
Political Debate Over Returns and Abschiebeoffensive
The CSU in the Bundestag has proposed a plan for an “Abschiebeoffensive” (deportation offensive) beginning in 2026, arguing that the grounds for protection for many Syrians with temporary residency will no longer apply once the civil war ends. Three individuals with criminal convictions have already been deported to Syria since December via scheduled flights. Discussions regarding deportations are expected to continue in a meeting between Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Schaibani.
The Federal Government’s response to the Left Party inquiry states that the new Syrian government faces the task of unifying the country and ensuring safety and protection for all residents. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with nearly 70 percent of the population relying on humanitarian aid. The situation in Syria is described as “still volatile,” affecting all Syrians, not just minority groups.
Several German courts have recently ruled that conditions in Syria no longer pose a threat to individuals, allowing for the deportation of at least two Syrians to Damascus and Latakia after their asylum applications were denied. Direct flights to Damascus are currently available from cities including Istanbul, Ankara, and Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has the number of asylum applications from Syrians changed recently?
The number of asylum applications from Syrians has decreased significantly. In 2024, 23,256 people from Syria applied for asylum in Germany for the first time, compared to 76,765 in 2023.
What is the current status of the Syrian government?
Following the overthrow of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 by the Islamist militia HTS, Ahmed al-Scharaa, the HTS leader, is now serving as interim president and seeking closer ties with the West.
What is the situation regarding the protection of Yazidis from Syria?
The Green Party parliamentary group advocates for a right of residence for Yazidis from Iraq, while the Left Party extends this call to Yazidis from Syria, citing the genocide committed against them by the Islamic State (IS).
As naturalization rates rise and political debate continues, the future of Syrian nationals in Germany remains a complex and evolving issue. What impact will the planned deportation offensive have on the Syrian community in Germany, and how will the evolving political landscape in Syria influence these developments?
