The number of Syrians residing in Germany has seen a slight decline recently, but this shift is not primarily due to a mass return of refugees following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Instead, many Syrian refugees who entered Germany during the significant influx of 2015 and 2016 are now meeting the requirements for naturalization.
According to the German Federal Ministry of Interior, as of the end of March 2025, the number of Syrians living in Germany stood at 968,899. This figure includes 10,729 Syrians who are obligated to leave the country. Just a month earlier, on February 28, 2025, the number was recorded at 972,470, indicating a decrease of 3,571 individuals over the month.
Notably, there have been no deportations to Syria from Germany since 2012. In instances where Syrian asylum seekers must leave Germany, they are typically transferred to another European country responsible for their asylum procedures under the Dublin Regulation.
Since the start of 2024, over 600 individuals have returned to Syria with financial assistance from German government agencies. As of January 13, 2025, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has been actively supporting voluntary returns to Syria.
In a significant move, the German federal government subsidized the return of 87 individuals to Syria in 2024, following support through various state programs. Additionally, during the first quarter of 2025, the federal government covered the costs for 77 return trips.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior noted that not every Syrian who receives state support for their return to Germany applies for full financial compensation from the federal government. Furthermore, the desire to return does not always equate to seeking state assistance.
In terms of naturalization, 2023 saw a notable increase, with 75,485 Syrians becoming German citizens, compared to roughly 48,000 the previous year. This uptick reflects the changing landscape for refugees as they navigate the legal pathways to citizenship.
A new citizenship law, which took effect in June 2024, aims to reduce the waiting periods for obtaining German citizenship. However, prospective citizens must demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially and possess proficiency in the German language. Those convicted of serious criminal offenses or involved in unconstitutional activities are barred from acquiring German citizenship.
Since December 9, 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime, the processing of asylum applications submitted by Syrian citizens in Germany has been suspended for an initial period of six months due to the uncertain situation in their home country. After this period, BAMF will assess whether to extend or lift the suspension.
Currently, there are over 50,000 asylum applications pending, with Syria remaining the primary country of origin for applicants in Germany. During the first quarter of 2025, 9,861 individuals from Syria submitted their first-time applications for protection in Germany.
As of March 31, 2025, there were 52,344 Syrian asylum applications still awaiting processing at BAMF. The Federal Ministry of Interior has been working since January to establish exceptions that would allow Syrian refugees to take "investigative" trips to their country of origin without jeopardizing their protected status in Germany. This initiative aims to facilitate either a single trip lasting up to four weeks or two trips, each lasting up to two weeks, to explore the feasibility of permanent return.
As the situation continues to evolve, the complexities surrounding Syrian refugees in Germany highlight both the challenges and the opportunities they face in their quest for stability and belonging. The interplay between legal frameworks, personal circumstances, and the broader geopolitical landscape will undoubtedly shape the future of this community.
