Germany: One in five considers leaving the country

Sunday 11 January 2026 - 12:30

By: Sahili Aya

Germany: One in five considers leaving the country

A recent study by the German Institute for Research on Integration and Migration indicates that nearly 21% of people living in Germany are considering leaving the country. The figure rises significantly among immigrant populations, with 34% of first-generation immigrants and 37% of their descendants expressing the intention to emigrate, compared with 17% of Germans without a migration background.

The primary motivation cited is the hope for a better life, mentioned by nearly half of those considering leaving. Immigrants and their descendants also report experiences of discrimination as a factor influencing their plans.

Despite these intentions, concrete plans remain limited. Only 2% of respondents reported that they expect to leave Germany within the next year. The survey was conducted among 2,933 participants between summer 2024 and summer 2025.

The institute notes that while immigration debates receive extensive public attention in Germany, emigration is less discussed, despite its relevance amid demographic aging and potential labor shortages. Intentions to leave are highest among individuals with family ties to Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa (39%), followed by those from the former USSR (31%) and European Union countries (28%).

Official statistics provide additional context. The Federal Statistical Office reported that 1.2 million people left Germany in 2024, including both German citizens and foreigners relocating to their countries of origin or elsewhere. Previous studies by the Institute for Employment Research found similar trends, with 26% of immigrants considering emigration by mid-2025, 3% of whom had concrete plans.

These findings highlight the growing complexity of migration and emigration dynamics in Germany, emphasizing the need to understand both the factors encouraging people to leave and the potential economic and demographic consequences.