Reasons why people leave Germany

How many people emigrate from Germany every year?

Emigration from Germany is nothing new. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people leave the country, around a quarter of whom have German citizenship. According to the Federal Statistical Office, almost 596,000 people emigrated from Germany in 1991. This figure rose to around 1.36 million people by 2016, fell again to just over 994,000 by 2021 and rose again to 1.27 million by 2023. This means that the number of emigrants has more than doubled in the last 20 years.

But what are the reasons behind this and where do Germans prefer to move to? We have answered these and other questions for you in this blog article. We hope you enjoy reading it!

👉 Are you planning to move? We are your contact! You can deregister from Germany online with us. We can also help you with other aspects of emigration 🌍 – Take a look at our services & download our free checklist!

Emigrating from Germany: Checklist

We have compiled a detailed checklist for you that summarizes all the important things you need to consider when emigrating from Germany. In addition to the free checklist, you will also receive an information sheet on deregistering your place of residence. Because there are many bureaucratic things to consider here too!

If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time via our live chat or by email.

Relocating from Germany: Destination countries

Do you want to know where is the best place to emigrate as a German? We have compiled everything you need to know in this section:

Most Germans stay within the EU or in German-speaking countries, as the hurdle for move is much lower. You don’t need a visa or residence permit, and you don’t have to get used to a different currency or culture. In addition, healthcare and infrastructure are very advanced.

Tip: We analyzed the “Expat Insider 2024” study and wrote a blog article on the topic “Where to move: The best countries for expats”.

As the statistics show, Switzerland was the most popular destination for Germans in 2023, which has not changed since 2005. Other popular countries are Austria, the USA, Spain and France. We explain why these countries are so popular in the following sections.

#1 Moving from Germany to Switzerland

Many Germans emigrate to Switzerland, mainly because of the low language barrier and the attractive career opportunities and high salaries. Compared to other European countries, Switzerland offers a very high salary level with an average annual salary of around CHF 103,380.

Switzerland’s neutral status also makes it a popular destination. Thanks to its neutrality, Switzerland is economically very stable, has low inflation rates and, with the Swiss franc, one of the strongest currencies in the world.

The high quality of life in Switzerland, which is characterized by safety, cleanliness and a well-functioning range of public services, attracts many people.

Another important factor is the excellent healthcare system with public and private insurance options. The cultural diversity and the willingness of Swiss society to integrate make it easier for many immigrants to make a new start.

In addition, the low tax rates compared to many other European countries are particularly attractive for higher earners.

Facts and figures

Of all European countries, emigrants from Germany are still most frequently drawn to Switzerland. At the beginning of 2022, there were almost 311,300 German nationals living in Switzerland (Destatis). Their number has been rising steadily for years. In 2022 – compared to 2021 – only around 1,800 more Germans registered, which corresponds to an increase of around 1%.

In 2023, almost 21,000 Germans emigrated to Switzerland, around 860 more Germans than in the previous year (Destatis). It can therefore be assumed that the number of German emigrants residing in Switzerland will continue to rise.

Emigrating to Switzerland: important information for Germans

If you are planning to emigrate to Switzerland, you should obtain comprehensive information and advice beforehand. These key points summarize the most important information from the Federal Office of Administration and provide inspiration for further research.

• Entry and residence: There is no visa requirement. You should register within 14 days.
• Job market: There are good job opportunities and German qualifications are recognized without any problems.
• Taxes: There is a double taxation agreement. However, specific tax advice is recommended.
• Health system: There is compulsory health insurance and comprehensive social security systems.
• Housing: Finding accommodation can be challenging, you should start looking and planning well in advance.
• Language: Knowledge of German is an advantage in many regions. Depending on which part of Switzerland you settle in, French and Italian may also be relevant.

School system: There are differences to the German school system, research on schools and educational opportunities is recommended.

#2 Relocating to Austria

Just like in Switzerland, German emigrants in Austria also benefit from the geographical proximity and the lack of language barriers, which makes a change of residence much easier.

Many Germans emigrate to Austria, mainly because of the attractive job opportunities and higher salaries in certain regions such as Vienna and Vorarlberg (Emigration Info). As EU citizens, Germans enjoy freedom of movement for workers, which makes it easier to find a job. Austria offers a high quality of life with an excellent healthcare system, low crime rate and a relaxed lifestyle.

The cultural diversity and numerous leisure opportunities, from historic cities such as Vienna and Salzburg to outdoor activities in the Alps and on the lakes, also contribute to its appeal. Many German students take advantage of the education system, which has less stringent entry requirements, costs little and offers high-quality educational opportunities.

There are also tax advantages for single parents and single earners, even if the top tax rate is higher than in Germany. All in all, Austria offers an attractive overall package that encourages many Germans to emigrate.

Facts and figures about Austria

Neighboring Austria is the second most popular emigration destination for Germans in Europe. In 2023, 12,500 Germans emigrated to Austria (Destatis). Here, too, the number has been rising steadily since the pandemic.

According to the latest study from 2023, around 216,700 Germans were living in Austria at the start of 2022 (Destatis). The year-on-year increase amounted to 4% or around 8,000 people, which was even higher than in Switzerland.

Moving to Austria: important information for Germans

Anyone planning to emigrate to Austria should obtain good information and advice in advance. This overview summarizes the most important information provided by the Federal Office of Administration and offers points of reference for further research:

• School system: similar to Germany, but there are differences within the curricula and school types.
• Entry and residence: There is no visa requirement. Registration should take place within 3 days.
• Job market: There are good job opportunities for Germans, qualifications from Germany are largely recognized without any problems.
• Taxes: A double taxation agreement is in place, but tax advice is recommended.
• Health system: Health insurance is compulsory. The healthcare system also includes social security systems.
• Housing: Finding accommodation can be challenging, it is important to start planning well in advance.

#3 Moving from Germany to America

The USA has been one of the most popular emigration destinations for Germans for over 20 years. In the early 2000s, the United States even ranked first for several years in a row. But even today, despite political tensions, the USA is still very popular (Destatis).
Last year (2023), almost 9,200 Germans emigrated to the USA. Here are some reasons for the country’s popularity:

Why many Germans want to emigrate to the USA

Many Germans emigrate to the USA in particular because of the attractive career opportunities and higher salaries. The United States offers a wide range of jobs in the fields of IT, science, medicine and engineering. German professionals and academics often find better career opportunities and salaries there than in Germany.

The USA also supports start-ups and entrepreneurs with numerous funding programs and grants. German companies are also increasingly investing in the USA, creating additional jobs for German specialists.

The high-quality universities and research institutions in the USA attract many German students and scientists who want to benefit from the excellent educational opportunities. In addition, many professionals take advantage of the opportunities for further training and building international networks.

The USA is a cultural melting pot whose diversity many Germans find enriching. The American way of life and the varied landscape are further reasons for emigrating.

Moving to the USA: important information for Expats

If you are planning to relocate to the USA, thorough preparation is essential. This compilation provides you with the most important information from the Federal Office of Administration and helps you with the first steps:

• Entry and residence: various visa options, such as the work visa (H-1B) or the exchange visa (J-1), a green card is required for permanent residence.
• Job market: Good job opportunities in many sectors, recognition of German qualifications is possible. Information on job opportunities and labor regulations is available on the websites of the US Immigration Service and the Federal Employment Agency.
• Taxes: The double taxation agreement applies, but specific tax advice is recommended.
• Health system: Health insurance is compulsory. There are both public and private insurance options.
• Housing: Rental and purchase prices vary greatly, depending on the region. Thorough research and early planning are important.
• Education system: The USA has some of the best universities and research institutions in the world. Information on study opportunities and recognition of German degrees is available.

#4 Moving from Germany to Spain

In 2023, 8,700 Germans emigrated to Spain to enjoy the mild climate and many hours of sunshine. With over 6,500 kilometers of coastline and 2,000 kilometers of beaches, life by the sea is a great attraction. The cost of living is often lower than in Germany, especially outside the big cities.

Spain also offers an excellent healthcare system, which is rated as the best in the world in the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index 2019. The Spanish way of life, which is characterized by a relaxed culture, sociable people and great culinary diversity, increases the country’s appeal.

Another important factor is the career opportunities. There are good job opportunities for skilled workers and academics in areas such as tourism, gastronomy and IT. A basic knowledge of Spanish is helpful. Thanks to a social security agreement, German pension entitlements remain intact even after emigration, which is particularly important for older emigrants.

The most important information from the Federal Office of Administration is summarized here:

• Entry and residence: There is no visa requirement. Registration must take place within 3 months.
• Job market: Germans have good job opportunities, especially in tourism and the service sector.
• Taxes: A double taxation agreement is in place, specific tax advice is also recommended.
• Health system: Health insurance is compulsory. There are also comprehensive social security systems.
• Housing: Finding accommodation takes longer in cities and is also more expensive. There are cheaper alternatives in rural areas.

Education system: There are also German schools and other diverse educational opportunities

#5 Relocating to France

Many Germans move to France mainly because of the high quality of life and cultural diversity. France offers an outstanding healthcare system, excellent cuisine and a pleasant climate, especially in the southern regions.

There are many career opportunities, especially in the fields of high technology, care, gastronomy and the service sector. The universities and research institutions are recognized worldwide and German students are even allowed to work up to 964 hours a year without a residence and work permit (Connexion Emploi).

France also has a well-developed social security system and a social security agreement with Germany, which provides for the mutual recognition of pension entitlements.

The cost of living varies greatly from region to region, with Paris being significantly more expensive than rural areas. The variety of landscapes from the Alps to the Côte d’Azur as well as the rich culture and history make France an attractive emigration destination.

Dreaming of living in France? This overview from the Federal Office of Administration provides the most important information and helps you take your first steps:

• Entry and residence: No visa is required. Proof of residence in the form of an electricity or telephone bill is sufficient.
• Job market: Germans have good job opportunities in the high-tech, care, catering and service sectors. However, knowledge of French is a prerequisite.
• Taxes: A double taxation agreement is in place, but special tax advice is recommended.
• Healthcare system: Health insurance is compulsory and there is good medical care.
• Housing: Rental and purchase prices vary greatly depending on the region. Rents are very high in Paris, but cheaper in the countryside. A guarantee and proof of three times the rental income are often required.

Education system: There are excellent universities and research institutions. Tuition at German schools and homeschooling are possible.

Emigrating from Germany – what to consider?

If you are planning to emigrate from Germany, there are many bureaucratic to-do’s in addition to the move. For more information, you can read our detailed article on “Deregistering your residence” or download the free checklist .

1. Deregistering your residence: One of the most important bureaucratic steps when emigrating from Germany is deregistering your place of residence. You should definitely do this to avoid problems such as a fine.
   • Deregistration deadline: Deregistration must take place at the latest two weeks after moving out and at the earliest one week before moving out.
   • Documents required: ID card or passport, completed and signed deregistration form.
   • Confirmation of deregistration: After deregistration, you will receive a deregistration confirmation, which is important for various official purposes and contract terminations.
2. Deregister in person, by post or online: You can deregister in person at the relevant residents’ registration office or by post. Some offices also offer online deregistration. You can also instruct a provider such as Deregistration.de to deregister you. The process is then completely digital and independent of your location.
3. Special right of termination: With your deregistration confirmation, you receive a special right of termination for various contracts such as Internet and telephone. You also need it to be able to cancel your broadcasting license fee and health insurance.
4. Health insurance: Inform your health insurance company that you are moving away. If you want to cancel it, you must also send your deregistration certificate. A simple e-mail is usually sufficient.
5. Tax office: Deregister with your tax office to clarify your tax liability and avoid any double taxation.
6. Set up mail forwarding: Place a forwarding order with Deutsche Post so that important mail is forwarded to your new address abroad.
7. Register new residence abroad: Find out about registration obligations and required documents in your new home country to ensure a smooth registration process.

Emigrating from Germany: The 11 most common reasons

The exact reasons why people leave Germany are often unclear, as they are rarely asked directly. EU citizens in particular take advantage of the freedom of movement to easily change jobs without officially deregistering.

Migration researcher Wido Geis-Thöne from the German Economic Institute explains in an interview with mdr that the data situation is sparse. Many emigrants do not plan to stay abroad permanently, but use the opportunity of international mobility for their educational and professional careers. They often only move abroad temporarily, for example to study, work on a project or teach.

The reasons can therefore be varied and cannot be precisely defined. Nevertheless, one or more of the following 11 reasons usually contribute to the decision to leave Germany.

1. Emigrating as a pensioner

More and more German pensioners are deciding to spend their retirement abroad. One important reason for this is the often lower cost of living in other countries, which makes it possible to live more comfortably on a German pension. German pension insurance pays around 1.8 million pensions a year to over 150 countries around the world.

The average gross pension in Germany at the end of 2022 was around 1,550 euros. However, there are significant differences between the federal states and between men and women.

While North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland have the highest average gross pensions for men at around €1,845 and €1,840 respectively, Thuringia has the lowest average gross pension at €1,427 (German Pension Insurance). In view of rising prices, many pensioners consider this pension to be too low.

In addition to financial reasons, many pensioners are also drawn abroad because of the more pleasant climate and the opportunity to spend their “free years” by the sea or in the mountains.

Tip: Want to emigrate as a pensioner and find out more? Then I recommend our blog article. Leaving Germany in retirement

2. Moving for political reasons

The politics of recent years have led to great frustration among many people in Germany. One example is dissatisfaction with the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, but growing dissatisfaction with the current political situation and social climate in Germany is also contributing to emigration.

Some emigrants want to escape these measures, while others have a growing desire for a fresh start and a life in a sunnier place such as the mountains or the sea.

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“We are increasingly hearing from our customers that their emigration is linked to current developments in Germany.”

– Oliver Frankfurth

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3. Relocating for a better climate and because of climate change

Many Germans are leaving their home country to move to a milder and sunnier climate. According to a survey, the weather is one of the main reasons for emigration. Rain, snow, clouds and low temperatures affect many people and increase the desire for a pleasant climate and sunshine all year round. People with certain illnesses in particular find relief from their ailments in warmer climates.

Climate change is also playing an increasingly important role. Extreme weather events such as floods, summers that are too hot and winters that are too mild are becoming more frequent. These changes are causing Germans to relocate or emigrate, depending on their preferences and environmental situation. Countries such as Portugal, France and Spain, which offer a pleasant climate and a high quality of life, are particularly attractive.

4. Moving for a better work and income situation

Many Germans move abroad in search of better earning opportunities and more stable employment. In some countries, skilled workers and academics can earn significantly more than in Germany.

Countries such as Switzerland and the USA not only offer higher salaries, but also attractive working conditions and career opportunities. Well-trained tradespeople and specialists in certain sectors in particular benefit from these opportunities.

Another important factor is the promotion of start-ups and entrepreneurship in general in many countries. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Singapore offer favorable conditions for the self-employed, including fewer bureaucratic hurdles and attractive tax benefits. This enables entrepreneurs to achieve higher profits and run their businesses successfully.

5. Emigrate and save taxes

Many Germans emigrate to save taxes. Germans and Austrians pay some of the highest tax rates in the world. In Switzerland and other countries, the tax burden is significantly lower. Singles without children in particular are taxed heavily in Germany. Countries such as Dubai have no income tax or comparable private taxes and are therefore popular tax havens.
Popular countries for tax savers

• Panama: No taxes on foreign income, attractive programs for pensioners such as the Pensionado Visa.
• Greece: Only seven percent income tax for pensioners who spend more than 183 days a year there.
• Cambodia: Very low cost of living and simple pensioner visa from the age of 55.

By moving abroad, many Germans can significantly reduce their tax burden and at the same time benefit from a lower cost of living and a more pleasant climate.

The issue of taxes is closely related to income. Germans and Austrians pay one of the highest tax rates in the world. The situation is entirely different in Switzerland and many other countries. There, you have to pay much less of your salary to the state. Especially childless singles in Germany and Austria must pay a high amount. It is different in other countries of the world. That’s why tax havens like Dubai are becoming increasingly popular. This Arab emirate has neither income tax nor other comparable private taxes.

6. Relocating to reduce the cost of living

Another reason why many people leave Germany is for financial reasons. The often lower cost of living makes it possible to lead a better life with less money. In some countries in South East Asia, Central America or Southern Europe, a significantly higher standard of living can be achieved with the same amount of money.

This is particularly attractive for people who have already saved up a financial cushion or can continue to earn money digitally.

• Southeast Asia: In countries such as Vietnam, the cost of living is very low compared to Germany. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs between 250 and 500 dollars a month. Food and public transport are also very cheap.
• Central America: In Colombia, for example, you can find comfortable accommodation for less than 400 euros a month. The cost of food is also low, resulting in an affordable standard of living overall.
• Southern Europe: Countries such as Portugal offer a high quality of life with a comparatively low cost of living. Cities such as Lisbon, Porto and Faro are popular destinations for emigrants.

The financial savings allow emigrants to buy a property or rent a large apartment, which would often not be possible in Germany.

7. Emigration for professional development

Professional development is an important factor for many Germans when considering emigration. In certain sectors and positions, other countries often offer better career development opportunities.

This is often due to the fact that technology in the sector is already more advanced there or that certain positions are desperately sought after. A good example is Norway, where significantly more women work in management positions than in Germany.

Many doors can open in technology-oriented regions such as Berlin or Stockholm, especially for specialists in IT or engineering. Countries such as Canada also offer a wide range of specialization opportunities and further training programmes that promote professional development.

The work culture and flatter hierarchies in some of these countries also enable specialists to advance their careers more quickly.

8. Moving for better educational opportunities

Another reason to leave Germany is the better educational opportunities abroad. Renowned universities such as Oxford or Harvard offer degrees that are highly regarded worldwide and can significantly improve career opportunities.

Although tuition fees are higher, scholarships are often available. Studying abroad also enables students to learn languages that are in high demand on the global job market , and there are also renowned universities in Scandinavia and the Netherlands that are very popular with young Germans. They offer an excellent education and internationally recognized degrees.

Tip: Are you emigrating with your children? In this blog article, we have answered all your questions about Relocating from Germany with kids.

9. Emigration for a better general well-being

Many people decide to emigrate from Germany in order to find a better general mood and quality of life. In countries with a more pleasant climate and more hours of sunshine, such as Spain or Portugal, a more positive attitude to life can often be observed. The better weather has a direct effect on mood, which contributes to a general improvement in mood.

The positive environment and new cultural experiences also contribute to a better mood. Direct contact with a friendlier population and immersion in a new culture promotes tolerance and understanding, which increases general well-being.

10. Emigrate to become more tolerant

Moving to another country can contribute a lot to personal development and the promotion of tolerance. When you move to a country where a different language is spoken and different cultural traditions prevail, you automatically become part of a minority.

This means that you have to learn new manners and traditions and integrate yourself. Through these experiences, you realize that your way of seeing or doing things is not the only right way.

These changes of perspective and adjustments make you more tolerant and understanding. When you return to Germany one day, you will be able to better understand the views of minorities in your home country.

In addition, dealing with cultural differences promotes your social skills and empathy, which is a great advantage in both your private and professional life.

Tip: Would you like to know which countries in the world are the most hospitable? Then I recommend the following article: Where to move: The best countries for expats

11. Relocating for a fresh start

Moving often means daring to make a fresh start, perhaps even starting from scratch. Many people find the idea of building a new community and starting a new life appealing. This desire can be motivated by various reasons, such as a stroke of fate or a general dissatisfaction with their previous life.

A fresh start abroad offers the opportunity to grow and develop in a new environment. Countries such as Canada and New Zealand attract many emigrants, as they not only offer a high quality of life and breathtaking nature, but also a wide range of opportunities for professional and personal development.

However, this step requires good preparation and the right attitude in order to successfully master the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment.

Conclusion: Pursue your dream and emigrate from Germany

Turning your back on Germany and starting a new life seems to be a tempting option for more and more Germans. However, the reasons for emigrating are very diverse and individual.

Whether you are thinking about emigrating for professional, family, social, political, geographical or financial reasons, we would like to encourage you to follow your dream! You only have one life, make it as beautiful as you deserve and collect as many moments as you can.

But don’t forget that emigrating also involves many new beginnings and hurdles. It starts with the move and the bureaucracy in Germany. Quitting your apartment, deregistering your place of residence, canceling contracts, canceling the radio license fee, forwarding mail, deregistering your car, etc. We can at least make your departure from Germany as pleasant as possible and take some of the work off your hands.

Just take a look at our services page. We would be happy to help you.