A recent survey by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) revealed that 26% of foreign residents in Germany are considering leaving the country in the future. The survey focused on migrant workers and residents, not asylum seekers, many of whom are highly educated professionals.

Conducted online in Nuremberg, the study collected responses from over 50,000 immigrants aged 18 to 65, according to Schengen News.

“If Germany’s labour market is to remain functional, we need skilled workers from third countries,” said Vanessa Ahuja, Director of Benefits and International Affairs at the Federal Employment Agency.

Dissatisfaction drivers: bureaucracy, taxation, politics

Key factors influencing migration intentions include:

excessive red tape,

a high tax burden,

and growing discontent with the political landscape.

The trend is especially pronounced among younger migrants, as two-thirds of respondents were under the age of 40 — the very demographic Germany relies on to fill labour shortages in key sectors.

Few acting on plans – but warning signs remain

Despite high levels of discontent:

Just 3% said they were actively working on plans to leave Germany within the next 12 months.

Half plan to return to their country of origin.

The other half plan to relocate to a third country.

The survey noted that over 50,000 respondents expressed dissatisfaction with life in Germany, mostly due to high living costs and taxation.

Skilled migrants are the most likely to leave

The IAB expressed concern that migrants with higher levels of education or training were more likely to consider leaving. Germany’s healthcare sector was highlighted as especially vulnerable to workforce losses.

“Anyone who studies here should practice in Germany for at least five years,” said Sepp Müller of the CDU. “Those who don’t should repay the cost of this high-quality education.”

The IAB intends to continue the research in future years to track evolving trends and support policymaking aimed at retaining foreign talent.