The number of Croatian immigrants in 2013 was 25,200, which is a 94.7% increase from 2012, when 12,944 Croatian citizens immigrated into Germany, shows the report, based on statistical data for 2013.
Data on the qualifications of the Croatian immigrants was not revealed, but the report shows an above-average percentage of male immigrants, who account for 72.4% of all Croatian immigrants.
Restrictions for Croatian immigrants remain in force until 30 June this year and Croatian passport-holders still need a work permit to become employed in Germany.
That restriction, however, includes many exceptions, for example, immigrants with university degrees, seasonal workers seeking employment of up to six months, and trainees can become employed without a work permit, but immigrants with university degrees have to have a job that requires their qualifications.
Also, Croatian workers whose professional profiles are in demand can get a work permit without a previous check to see if a German national or some other EU national is available for the position.
Germany has still not decided if these measures for Croatian nationals will be extended. They may be extended for a period of up to seven years.
In 2013 Germany saw 1.23 million immigrants, the highest figure in the last 22 years. After the number of persons who left Germany that year is deducted, there remains a so-called positive immigration balance of 430,000 immigrants.
Most of the immigrants are from EU countries, with Poland being the country of origin in most cases, followed by Romania, Italy, Bulgaria, Hungary, Spain and Greece. Croatia is ranked 12th.
Intensive debates about immigration have been under way in Germany for the past few months, with increasingly frequent requests that Germany should adopt an immigration law similar to those of typical immigration countries like Australia or Canada.
Public protests against a rising number of refugees and asylum seekers are frequent, which is best evidenced by protests organised by the Pegida movement.