Key facts
- Over 288,000 Germans moved abroad in the past year, according to Destatis.
- A survey found 54% of top earners (household net income >= 6,000 euros) explored jobs abroad.
- Higher income and better quality of life are the main reasons cited for considering emigration.
- 70% of respondents feel Germany's tax burden is too high for the income earned.
- The US, UK, and Switzerland are the top emigration destinations, with UAE and India gaining popularity.
A significant portion of Germany's high earners are contemplating emigration, driven by factors such as high taxes, a desire for better quality of life, and higher income potential abroad. Data from Germany's Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) indicates that over 288,000 German citizens moved abroad within the last year, marking the highest net loss since 2017.
A survey conducted by the job platform Indeed reveals that since 2020, searches for international job offers have more than doubled. Specifically, 54% of respondents with a household net income of at least 6,000 euros have explored job opportunities outside Germany in the past twelve months, with two-thirds generally considering working abroad. Of those interested, 77% intend to relocate for several years or permanently.
The primary motivations for considering emigration are the prospect of a higher income and a better quality of life, cited by approximately 51% of respondents each. Additionally, around 42% hope for a more pleasant climate or lower tax and social charges. In contrast, better career and promotion prospects were a deciding factor for only 24%.
Virginia Sodergeld, a labour market economist at Indeed, views international mobility positively for the knowledge and innovation it can bring. However, she also interprets the widespread consideration of leaving as a sign of dissatisfaction with living and working conditions in Germany. The survey highlights that 70% of respondents believe the tax burden in Germany is too high in relation to income, feeling that personal commitment at work does not yield sufficient rewards. This is underscored by the fact that an employer's 100 euros in labor costs yields only about 50.70 euros net for an average single employee in Germany.
The United States remains the most popular emigration destination, although interest has declined by 34% compared to the previous year. The United Kingdom and Switzerland follow, each accounting for 13.6% of search queries. Notably, the UK, along with the United Arab Emirates and India, have become significantly more attractive, with search queries rising by 38% and 24% respectively. Australia also saw a 10% increase in interest.
Germany's traditional strengths, such as its social environment, employment protection, and welfare system, are perceived as less critical by highly sought-after international specialists compared to opportunities for professional development. While Germany experiences a net emigration of its citizens, it records a net immigration of over 200,000 non-German passport holders annually, including highly qualified professionals from countries like India working in IT, AI, and engineering sectors.