One in five people in Germany is considering leaving the country

A study conducted by the German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) surveyed 2,933 people across five separate waves over a one-year period between the summer of 2024 and the summer of 2025.

The findings have sparked debate. According to the study, 21% of people living in Germany are considering emigrating to another country.

The rate is significantly higher among people with a migrant background—who make up around 30% of Germany’s population in what is often described as a country of immigration.

In this group, 34% say they are considering leaving Germany. Among individuals with family ties to Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa, the share rises to 39%. Even among children of migrants who were born in Germany, the figure remains high at 37%.

The fact that 17% of Germans without a migration background are also considering leaving the country is causing concern among policymakers.

🔺️ According to the study, the most common reason behind the desire to leave is the hope for a better quality of life.This motivation accounts for nearly half of those considering emigration. People with a migrant background additionally cite experiences of discrimination as a frequent reason.

🔸️ Despite the widespread consideration of leaving Germany, the likelihood of it actually happening remains low.

🔸️ Only 2% of respondents said they plan to leave the country within the next year.

However, particularly striking is the fact that since the Federal Parliament elections in February 2025, the share of migrants and their children considering leaving Germany has increased by around 10 percentage points.

One final note:According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, 1.2 million people actually left Germany in 2024.

Source: ARTI49