BERLIN, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Around 200,100 people were naturalized in Germany in 2023, the highest number since the current count began in 2000, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said on Tuesday.
The number of naturalizations increased by 19 percent compared to the previous year, having already risen by 28 percent in 2022, according to Destatis. People from 157 different countries were granted German citizenship.
Destatis said that the naturalized citizens were on average 29.3 years old, significantly younger than the overall population at 44.6 years, and were predominantly men.
Europe's largest economy has an aging population, and is highly dependent on immigration. It is also facing a major shortage of skilled workers, which the government is addressing by amending the Skilled Immigration Act to make it easier for qualified workers from non-EU countries to seek employment in Germany.
The parliament's upper house, the Bundesrat, also approved a modernization of Germany's nationality law in February this year. Dual citizenship will now be possible, and naturalization can take place after five years, or even just three if integration is particularly good.
"Finally, we are recognizing the histories and accomplishments of many people in our country who moved here a long time ago and have been contributing to our country," said Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser following the Bundesrat decision. ■