Significant Share of Germans Contemplate Emigration Amid Political Climate

A recent study by the German Centre for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM) reveals that 21% of people in Germany are considering emigrating, reflecting a notable social trend. The study surveyed nearly 3,000 individuals from summer 2024 to summer 2025, capturing data shortly before and after the federal elections in February 2025. Among those surveyed, 17% of Germans without migration backgrounds and 34% of immigrants, along with 37% of their descendants, expressed thoughts of leaving the country. Particularly striking is that 39% of individuals with family ties to Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa contemplate emigration.

The primary motivation cited by more than half of respondents is the aspiration for better quality of life abroad. Discrimination also plays a significant role: 18% of immigrants and 24% of their descendants point to this as influencing their emigration considerations. Despite these high figures, only 2% have concrete plans to emigrate within the next year.

An important development captured by the series of surveys is the sharp rise of about ten percentage points in emigration considerations among immigrants and their descendants just before the February 2025 federal elections, according to migration experts. This illustrates a possible link between political climate and emigration intentions.

In parallel, official data indicated that in 2024 approximately 1.2 million people actually left Germany, underscoring the demographic and labor implications of this trend. While immigration debates dominate public discourse, these findings highlight the crucial need to address emigration, especially as Germany faces demographic challenges and labor shortages.