Emigrating from Germany: Reasons, Destinations, and What You Need to Sort

In 2024, 1.26 million people left Germany. More than twice as many as twenty years ago. About a quarter of them were German citizens. Switzerland, Austria, Spain, the US, and France top the destination list — and the reasons range from tax burden to climate to the desire for a complete fresh start.

At deregistration.de we have walked more than 40,000 people through the formal exit from Germany since 2014 — from 700+ cities and towns. This guide covers:

• Where Germans emigrate most often
• The 11 most common reasons to leave Germany
• Which bureaucratic steps you cannot afford to forget

At a glance

• 1.26 million people left Germany in 2024 — over double the figure from 20 years ago. About a quarter were German citizens.
• Switzerland is the most popular destination for German emigrants every year since 2005. Austria, Spain, the United States, and France complete the top five.
• The most-cited reasons cluster around taxes, climate, career, retirement, and the search for a fresh start.
• Most of the German bureaucratic steps before departure cascade off one key document: the Abmeldebestätigung (deregistration confirmation).
• Plan at least 3 months ahead — last-minute emigrations cost real money in missed cancellations and overlooked deadlines.

The top 5 destinations of German emigrants

Most Germans stay within the EU or the German-speaking region. The reason: the bar is much lower. No visa, no residence permit, no different currency. Add a familiar health system and well-developed infrastructure on top.

According to Destatis, Switzerland has been the most popular destination since 2005, uninterrupted. Austria, Spain, the United States, and France follow.

Related reading: We have analysed the "Expat Insider 2025" survey: Where do German emigrants feel most welcome?

#1 Switzerland: high salaries, low language barrier

Many Germans emigrate to Switzerland for the obvious reasons — minimal language barrier and attractive earning power. With an average annual salary of roughly CHF 103,380, Switzerland offers one of the highest wage levels in Europe.

Add neutrality, economic stability, low inflation, and a strong Swiss franc. The high quality of life — safety, cleanliness, first-rate public services, and an excellent health system — keeps Switzerland the long-running favourite.

Numbers: Around 323,600 German nationals lived in Switzerland at the start of 2024, a 2.4 percent year-on-year increase (Destatis). In the last ten years, the figure has grown by over 31,000.

Good to know: No visa required, registration within 14 days, German qualifications recognised without issue. There is a double-taxation treaty in place — individual tax advice is still recommended.

#2 Austria: a neighbouring country, no language barrier

Austria comes in second on the destination list. Geographic proximity and the absent language barrier make the switch particularly easy. As an EU citizen you benefit from freedom of movement, strong job opportunities in Vienna and Vorarlberg, an excellent health system, and low crime.

Numbers: Roughly 232,700 Germans lived in Austria at the start of 2024 — a 3.4 percent annual increase and 41 percent growth over ten years (Destatis).

Good to know: No visa required, registration within 3 days, good job market, and less restrictive university entry requirements than in Germany.

#3 United States: career and higher salaries

The US has been a top emigration destination for over 20 years. In the early 2000s it was even number one. In 2024, around 26,800 people moved from Germany to the US (Destatis).

The main drivers: attractive career options, higher salaries — especially in IT, science, medicine, and engineering — and entrepreneur-friendly programmes. The top-tier universities and research institutions also pull students and academics.

Good to know: You need a visa (H-1B, J-1, etc.) or a Green Card. There is a double-taxation treaty. Health insurance is mandatory, and rental and purchase prices vary heavily by region.

#4 Spain: sun, lower cost of living, top health system

Around 128,000 Germans lived in Spain at the start of 2024 (Destatis). The pull: mild climate, more than 6,500 kilometres of coastline, and a cost of living often well below the German level — especially outside the major cities.

Spain also has an outstanding health system. The Bloomberg Global Health Index 2024 ranked it number one worldwide again (score: 92.75). Job openings concentrate in tourism, hospitality, and IT.

Good to know: No visa required for EU citizens, registration within 3 months. German pension claims are preserved thanks to a social-security agreement.

#5 France: quality of life and cultural variety

France attracts with an excellent health system, the well-known food culture, a pleasant climate in the southern regions, and a wide range of career options — particularly in high tech, healthcare, hospitality, and services.

German students in France are allowed to work up to 964 hours per year without a residence or work permit. The geographic variety from the Alps to the Côte d'Azur adds to the appeal.

Good to know: No visa needed for EU citizens. Proof of residence (utility bill, phone bill) is enough for local registration. French language skills are essentially required for the job market.

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The 11 most common reasons Germans leave

The exact motivations behind an emigration are rarely captured in official data — almost no one is asked directly. The migration researcher Wido Geis-Thöne (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft) points out that the data is patchy. Many emigrants do not plan a permanent stay; they use international mobility for education and career.

From our experience with 40,000+ deregistrations, we see clear patterns. Most decisions trace back to one or more of the following reasons.

1. Retiring abroad

More and more German pensioners spend their retirement abroad. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung pays roughly 1.8 million pensions per year into 150+ countries. With an average gross pension of around EUR 1,620 (for retirees with 35+ contribution years, Rentenatlas 2024), lower living costs abroad enable a more comfortable life. Climate and the chance to spend the free years by the sea or in the mountains are obvious motivations on top.

Related reading: Leaving Germany in retirement

2. Political reasons

The politics of recent years have left many people deeply frustrated. Discontent with COVID-19 policies, but also a growing unease with the social climate in Germany, contribute to the outflow. For some, the wish for a fresh start in a place that aligns better with their values is now a key driver.

"We hear more and more often that our customers' emigration is tied to current developments in Germany. Five years ago that was different." — Oliver Frankfurth, founder of deregistration.de

3. Better climate

Rain, snow, clouds, and cold temperatures wear many people down and amplify the desire for a year-round pleasant climate. Surveys list the weather as one of the most cited reasons for emigration. People with certain medical conditions find relief in warmer regions too.

Climate change plays a growing role. Extreme weather events — flooding, hot summers, mild winters — are becoming more frequent in Germany. Portugal, France, and Spain are particularly attractive, combining good climate with high quality of life.

4. Better work and income

The hunt for higher earnings and more stable employment pulls many Germans abroad. In countries like Switzerland and the US, skilled workers and academics earn significantly more than in Germany. Well-trained tradespeople and specialists in specific industries benefit too.

The founder scene attracts a separate group: the UAE and Singapore offer less bureaucratic friction and tax incentives. Entrepreneurs can run leaner operations and keep more of the profit.

5. Tax optimisation

Germans (and Austrians) carry some of the highest tax burdens in the developed world. Singles without children are particularly heavily taxed. A move abroad can reduce the tax load substantially — and often comes with lower living costs. Popular tax-optimisation destinations:

• Panama: No tax on foreign income, attractive retiree programmes (Pensionado Visa)
• Greece: A 7 percent flat rate on foreign pensions for retirees spending 183+ days per year there
• Dubai: No personal income tax

Important: Always consult a tax adviser before the move. Many countries have double-taxation treaties with Germany, but the rules are complex — the tax obligations after leaving Germany guide goes into the details.

How the Finanzamt treats emigrants and which notifications are mandatory before the move is covered in Oliver's walkthrough:

6. Lower cost of living

Lower living costs abroad allow you to live better on the same money. Particularly attractive for people who already have a financial cushion or who continue to earn digitally.

• Southeast Asia: In Vietnam, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs USD 250 to USD 500 per month. Food and public transport are cheap too.
• Central and South America: In Colombia, comfortable accommodation costs under EUR 400 per month.
• Southern Europe: Lisbon, Porto, and Faro in Portugal offer high quality of life at lower price points than Germany.

The savings enable many emigrants to buy property or rent a larger apartment — often impossible at the same income in Germany.

7. Career growth

Career development is a major driver. In certain industries and roles, other countries offer faster growth — sometimes because technology is more advanced there, sometimes because the talent shortage is acute.

In tech hubs, IT specialists and engineers find doors open quickly. Countries like Canada offer specialisation programmes and continuing-education tracks. Flatter hierarchies in many companies also enable faster promotion than the typical German setup.

8. Better education opportunities

Top universities like Oxford or Harvard offer degrees with global recognition that substantially improve career prospects. Tuition is higher, but scholarships are common. A degree abroad also means learning languages that are sought after on the global job market. Scandinavia and the Netherlands have internationally recognised universities that are popular with young Germans too.

Related reading: Relocating with kids — everything you need to know

9. Better general well-being

Many people emigrate to find a better baseline mood and quality of life. In sunnier countries — Spain, Portugal — a more positive outlook is often visible in everyday interactions. The weather lifts the mood directly. Contact with a more open population and immersion in a new culture strengthens tolerance and broadens horizons.

10. Tolerance and personal growth

Moving to another country automatically puts you in the minority. You learn new ways of interacting and traditions, and you realise that your way of seeing things is not the only valid one. These perspective shifts make you more tolerant and understanding. If you return to Germany one day, you bring back insights into how minorities experience life. Navigating cultural differences strengthens social and professional competence.

Related reading: Where do German emigrants feel most welcome?

11. The fresh start

Emigrating often means a clean slate — sometimes literally from zero. Many people find that appealing: build a new community, start a new chapter. A personal setback, general dissatisfaction, or simply the desire for something new — the reasons are individual.

Countries like Canada and New Zealand attract many emigrants with their quality of life, stunning nature, and broad opportunities for personal development. The step demands solid preparation and the right mindset to handle the cultural-adjustment phase that follows.

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What you have to handle before leaving

Before you board the plane, German bureaucracy awaits. From our experience with 40,000+ deregistrations we know: 70 percent of emigrants forget at least one of these steps — and that costs time, money, or both.

Deregister your address — the cornerstone step

The Abmeldung (address deregistration) is the central bureaucratic step. Without the Abmeldebestätigung you cannot cancel many contracts and you risk a fine.

• Deadline: Earliest one week before move-out, latest two weeks after
• Documents needed: Personalausweis or passport, completed Abmeldeformular
• Routes: In person at the Bürgeramt, by post, or digitally through a provider like deregistration.de

Full walkthrough: How to deregister from Germany.

Other essential steps

• Cancel the rental contract: Watch the notice period and notify the landlord on time. See cancel your German rental contract.
• Notify health insurance: Cancelling requires the Abmeldebestätigung. An email is usually enough. Set up international cover in parallel: expat health insurance.
• Finanzamt (tax office): Notify them of the move to clarify your tax status and avoid double taxation. Tax obligations after leaving Germany.
• Cancel contracts: Internet, phone, electricity — the Abmeldebestätigung triggers a special termination right. See cancel German contracts.
• Cancel the radio tax (GEZ): Not possible without the Abmeldebestätigung. See the GEZ guide.
• Deregister the car: If you do not take the car, deregister it. See car deregistration.
• Set up mail forwarding: Either a Deutsche Post Nachsendeauftrag or a digital mail-forwarding service.
• Secure the Abmeldebestätigung: You need it for almost everything — contract cancellations, insurance switches, tax filings. See deregistration confirmation.
• Register in the destination country: Check the destination's registration rules and required documents.

Complicated for you. Routine for our team. Every variation of these threads has crossed our desk at least a hundred times.

"Since 2014 I have helped people emigrate, and the single biggest mistake is always the same: starting too late. Anyone who thinks about the Abmeldung two weeks before the flight pays twice — for contracts that keep running and for deadlines that get missed. Start at least three months ahead." — Oliver Frankfurth

Our free leaving Germany checklist summarises every step. And if you want to hand the full process to us: start the Abmeldung.

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Conclusion: pursue the dream, sort the paperwork

More and more Germans see leaving Germany as a real option. The reasons are individual — work, family, social context, politics, geography, finances. Whichever combination drives you: you only have one life. Make it as good as you deserve.

Do not forget that emigration also brings new starts and obstacles. It starts with German bureaucracy — cancel the apartment, deregister your address, cancel contracts, cancel the GEZ, forward your mail. We can at least make the departure from Germany as smooth as possible and take the work off your hands.

Since 2014 we have helped more than 40,000 people through the move. You take the flight. We handle the paperwork. That is the deal.

Start the Abmeldung | Download the free checklist

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Video: emigrating from Germany — the complete walkthrough

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FAQ on emigrating from Germany

Related guides

• Leaving Germany checklist — the full to-do list
• How to deregister from Germany — the umbrella guide
• Deregistration confirmation — the key document
• Leaving Germany in retirement
• Where to move from Germany
• Tax obligations after leaving Germany
• Relocating with kids

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Last updated 26 May 2026. Statistics are sourced from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis, 2024) and the Rentenatlas 2024 of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. All information without warranty.

Oliver Frankfurth is the founder of deregistration.de and has been guiding people through the move out of Germany since 2014. With his team, he has completed 40,000+ deregistrations from 700+ cities and towns.