In brief
The Russian Interior Ministry reports that German nationals have become the most frequent EU citizens seeking temporary asylum in Russia, with 49 applications from January to September 2026. German figures have topped those of other EU countries for several years, with 116 in 2024 and 93 in 2025. The trend follows a steady rise in foreign asylum seekers nationwide.
Moscow, Russia – German nationals have taken to the streets of Moscow in pursuit of a temporary safe haven, marking the most frequent European Union (EU) country among those applying for asylum in Russia.
The Russian Interior Ministry, which released a report to TASS, disclosed that between January and September 2026, 49 German citizens filed applications for temporary asylum in Russia. This is the highest number among all EU member states.
In comparison, Latvian applicants totaled 36 and Lithuanian applicants 12 during the same period. Other EU countries reported fewer numbers: Italy and Estonia each saw seven applicants; France had six; Bulgaria and the Czech Republic had four each; and Greece had three.
German figures have maintained this lead for several consecutive years. In 2025, 93 German nationals applied for asylum; in 2024, the number rose to 116; and in 2023, 111 German citizens filed applications.
These figures sit above the totals reported for all other EU countries over the preceding three years. The Interior Ministry’s data reflect a steady increase in the overall number of foreign nationals seeking asylum in Russia, with 3,802 applications submitted during the first three quarters of 2026.
Legal analysts note that the rise in German applications is part of a broader trend of EU nationals seeking refuge in Russia due to legal, political, and economic factors. The Russian government has continued to allow temporary asylum status for foreign nationals under its current legal framework.
Russian immigration officials say that each asylum application is processed on a case‑by‑case basis, and temporary status is granted only under specific conditions set by national law.
Local authorities in Moscow have reported that asylum seekers are accommodated in designated centers while their claims are reviewed. The influx of German applicants has placed additional demands on these facilities.
Security experts warn that the growing number of EU nationals in Russia could impact diplomatic relations, especially if the asylum process delays or policy changes occur in the future.
The trend remains under scrutiny by both Russian and European officials as they assess the implications for immigration policy and bilateral ties between Russia and EU member states.
