Every fifth person in Germany considers moving abroad, research reveals
A new study reveals that approximately 21% of people living in Germany are considering leaving the country. The research highlights significant differences among population groups, with those from migrant backgrounds and their children showing the highest rates of potential emigration, often citing desires for better living conditions and experiences of discrimination.
A significant portion of Germany's population is contemplating leaving the country, according to a new academic study released this weekend. The research indicates that complex factors including the search for a higher quality of life and experiences of discrimination are influencing these considerations.
Key Findings of the Survey
The study, conducted by the German Center for Integration and Migration Studies (DeZIM) between 2024 and 2025 with nearly 3,000 participants, found that 21% of respondents are considering emigration. The figures vary dramatically across different demographic groups. While 17% of people without a migration background are thinking of leaving, the number rises to 34% among those who have a migrant background and jumps to 37% among their children.
Reasons Behind the Consideration
Across all groups surveyed, the most common reason given for contemplating a move abroad was the pursuit of a "higher quality of life." For many participants with immigrant backgrounds, however, the calculus included other critical factors. Experiences of discrimination were cited as a significant reason by 25% of participants originally from Türkiye and the Middle East and North Africa region.
Researcher's Analysis
Fabio Best, a research officer at DeZIM, underscored that the data points to a persistent and high level of desire to leave Germany among certain segments of the population. "Especially among people with a migration background and their children, the search for better living conditions, along with perceptions of discrimination, plays an important role," Best explained.
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