Where Berlin’s Non-Citizens Live

With over 21,000 residents gaining a second nationality in 2024, dual citizenship is on the rise in Berlin. But how does the city treat non-citizens? An analysis in maps shows where they live and what conditions they face – from cramped housing to air pollution and noise.

A Divided City: The Berlin Border Shapes Migration

The distribution of non-citizens in Berlin reveals clear patterns of the old East-West segregation. Western districts like, Neukölln, and Kreuzberg have become hubs for people without German citizenship. This is also highlighting how migration today is concentrated primarily in the city’s core. These areas, often referred to as immigration or arrival neighborhoods, host large populations of non-citizens but are also marked by significant social and economic challenges.

Meanwhile, eastern areas like Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Lichtenberg, and Treptow-Köpenick see far fewer.

Tight Spaces and Social Pressure

Districts with non-citizens often struggle with a lack of living space. In Neukölln, Spandau or Wedding, part of Berlin Mitte, people have less space per person on average. This overcrowding also puts pressure on schools, childcare centers, and healthcare services.

The status index, which measures social and economic conditions, is another indicator of inequality. In areas like Neukölln and Wedding the index is low, highlighting structural disadvantages and a tough social environment.

Living Among Concrete and Traffic

Environmental factors add to the challenges for dual citizens. Many live in areas with poor air quality, high noise levels, and few green spaces. In these districts, heavy traffic and dense buildings make the air harder to breathe. The darker the color, the higher the burden.

Noise is another issue. Busy streets and crowded neighborhoods mean constant background noise, which can take a toll on everyday life. At the same time, green spaces — vital for relaxation and recreation — are often scarce in areas like Neukölln or Wedding. In contrast, western districts like Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Steglitz-Zehlendorf enjoy plenty of parks and greenery.

These environmental challenges, combined with social pressures, weigh heavily on residents and can affect their quality of life.

A Chance for Change

Berlin has always been a city of transformation. The question now is whether it can use this wave of naturalizations to build a fairer, greener, and more inclusive future for all its residents.