A new study shows that other countries are more attractive to economically successful foreigners. Discrimination also plays a major role.

The survey excludes asylum seekers who do not yet have recognized residence status in Germany. The survey period ran from December 2024 to April 2025.

“A key finding of our survey is that it is precisely those who moved to Germany to work or study, who are better educated or more economically successful and who have a better command of the German language, who are more likely than average to consider leaving or express concrete plans to emigrate,” said IAB researcher Katia Gallegos Torres.

Immigrants with a master’s degree or doctorate and higher earners in particular have considered leaving Germany in the last twelve months.

“Almost two-thirds of immigrants report perceived discrimination, for example at work, on the housing market, in public spaces or in contact with the police,” says Gallegos Torres