A decade after a large wave of refugees — many fleeing the Syrian Civil War — arrived in Germany, a new study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) highlights growing concerns about xenophobia and discrimination.
Declining Sense of Welcome
In 2017, 84% of refugees said they felt welcome in Germany. By 2023, that figure had dropped to 65%. More than half (54%) of those surveyed last year expressed concern about xenophobia, compared to just one-third in 2019. Refugees reported facing disadvantages particularly when searching for housing (32%), applying for jobs (18%), and in the workplace (14%). Those living in eastern Germany, especially men, reported higher levels of discrimination.
Push for Citizenship Despite Challenges
Despite negative experiences, refugees remain committed to integration. Between 2013 and 2019, 98% said they intended to apply for citizenship, had already applied, or had completed naturalization. Naturalization rates jumped from 2.1% in 2021 to 7.5% in 2023. Among Syrian refugees, 13.1% had already become citizens and 29.4% had applied. Nearly 88% of new citizens retained dual nationality.
Germany’s new citizenship law, in effect since mid-2024, has reduced the residency requirement from eight to five years — a move expected to accelerate naturalizations.
Political Context
The findings come amid a political climate shaped by rising anti-immigration sentiment. In February’s national election, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its best-ever result, winning more than 20% of the vote. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has since pledged to crack down on irregular immigration.
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