.png)
Statistics State Office for Immigration (LEA): This is what 2024 was like for the Berlin Immigration Office
- Mirko Vorreuter
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
In 2024, the Berlin State Office for Immigration (LEA) recorded more in-person visits than ever before. Almost half a million people visited the office—an increase that can be explained both by the backlog of demand following the coronavirus pandemic and by new geopolitical challenges such as the war in Ukraine . In addition, there is increased interest in naturalization , which is further intensifying operations.
Digital access at its peak
The LEA is in greater demand than ever, not only in person but also digitally. With over 18 million page views in 2024, the website www.berlin.de/einwanderung was a central point of contact for information on entry, residence, and citizenship. The new digital applications and the expansion of online services contributed particularly to this strong usage. Authorities, lawyers, and advice centers also regularly use the platform as a source of knowledge.
The numbers also speak to a growing team behind the scenes: Over 800 employees work at LEA's four locations, with a high proportion of women and over a third of employees from a migrant background. Diversity is also evident in leadership positions – more than 70% of managers are female.
Naturalizations at record levels, visa approvals again low
A central theme in 2024 (and likely also in 2025) was citizenship. The number of naturalizations more than doubled within a year . It rose from around 9,000 in the previous year to over 22,000 – a success made possible primarily by the establishment of a dedicated naturalization department and more efficient processes. A total of more than 240,000 residence permits, certificates, and naturalizations were issued.
Also the Visa procedure was not unaffected by political and legal developments. Although an increase in the number of statements was recorded, a long-term decline is expected due to the reform of Section 31 of the Residence Ordinance – a consequence of the intended simplification of skilled immigration law.
Temporary Protection (TPS) and Humanitarian Law in Berlin
The number of refugees cared for in Berlin continued to grow. The increase was particularly significant starting in 2022, due to the protection status granted to Ukrainian refugees under Section 24 of the Residence Act . At the end of 2024, approximately 188,000 people were under the jurisdiction of the LEA, including over 16,000 asylum seekers. At the same time, the number of unauthorized entries declined slightly for the first time during 2024.
Around 13,800 people chose to voluntarily return to their country of origin in 2024. Programs such as REAG/GARP provide financial and organizational support. Meanwhile, the number of deportations was just under 1,300 – influenced by deportation freezes and the commitment of resources to major events such as the European Football Championship. It is striking that the majority of those required to leave the country remain in Germany with a temporary suspension of deportation because deportation is factually or legally impossible.
Rejections remain the exception
Despite the high number of applications, the rate of negative decisions from the LEA remains consistently low. Only around one percent of all decisions by the LEA are negative. This underlines the agency's position as acting primarily as a service provider for securing residency and integration. Even in cases of expulsion or withdrawal of freedom of movement, the rate remains moderate.
A modern office with a growing team
Conclusion Figures State Office for Immigration (LEA) in Berlin
The latest figures from the Berlin State Office for Immigration clearly demonstrate that migration is not a marginal issue, but a central component of municipal administration and social reality. The enormous increase in interviews, naturalizations, and digital access demonstrates not only the growing demand but also the growing trust in the agency's structures and services. At the same time, consistent digitalization underscores that modern immigration policy depends not only on changes in the law but also on technological infrastructure.
