Though Syria’s civil war has largely wound down and Bashar al-Assad’s regime has collapsed, the vast majority of Syrians living in Germany appear in no hurry to go back. Out of nearly a million Syrian nationals residing in Germany, only 464 have voluntarily returned with the help of the government since the start of 2025, according to Germany’s Interior Ministry.
That figure, officials note, only accounts for those registered through the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Others may have quietly left without notifying authorities. Still, the number stands in sharp contrast to neighboring countries—such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan—where an estimated 400,000 Syrians have already made the journey home, based on UNHCR data.
Back in Germany, the incentives to stay remain strong. Refugees from Syria still benefit from generous financial support. Adults willing to return can receive a €1,000 “start-up” grant, with minors eligible for €500. There’s also a travel stipend—€200 for adults, €100 for children—and up to €2,000 in medical reimbursement. Families can collect as much as €4,000 in total aid under the current federal reintegration scheme.
The German government, meanwhile, is preparing to roll out a new policy allowing protected Syrians to temporarily visit their homeland—without automatically forfeiting their refugee status. The catch? Such visits must be geared toward laying the groundwork for a permanent return. Casual trips for holidays or family reunions won’t qualify.
So, while the war-torn nation begins its slow path toward stability, Syrians in Germany are weighing their options—and for now, most are choosing to stay put.
