New data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) and Eurostat shows that more Germans are choosing to live abroad, with Switzerland, Austria and Spain ranking as the most popular destinations.
The figures confirm that neighboring German-speaking countries remain dominant choices, while Spain is regaining appeal after years of decline.
As of early 2024, nearly 323,600 German citizens were living in Switzerland, representing an increase of 2.4% compared with the previous year. Austria recorded more than 232,700 German residents, up 3.4% year-on-year. Spain ranked third with more than 128,000 Germans, marking a 1.8% rise after a period of falling numbers.
Switzerland Leads as Primary Destination
Switzerland continues to be the top European destination for German emigrants. The Swiss Federal Statistical Office reported 323,600 German citizens residing in the country as of December 31, 2023. This was 7,600 more than the previous year, reflecting steady growth over the past decade.
Over the last 10 years, the number of Germans in Switzerland has increased by 10.7%, or around 31,300 people. The country’s proximity, shared cultural ties, and limited language barriers make it an attractive relocation option. Switzerland has consistently topped the list of preferred destinations for German nationals moving abroad.
Austria Records Stronger Growth
Austria ranked second with 232,700 German citizens as of January 1, 2024. The increase of more than 7,700 residents compared with the previous year represented a 3.4% rise, a higher growth rate than Switzerland’s. Over the past decade, Austria has seen a 41.2% increase in its German population, nearly 68,000 more people.
The trend highlights Austria’s appeal due to its geographic closeness, cultural similarities, and the advantage of a shared language, which eases integration for German expatriates. Together with Switzerland, Austria continues to account for a large share of German emigration flows within Europe.
Spain Regains Popularity
Spain has re-emerged as a favored destination for Germans, ranking third in the Eurostat data. The number of Germans living in Spain rose to more than 128,000 at the start of 2024, up nearly 2,300 from the previous year. While this represents a smaller growth rate compared with Switzerland and Austria, it marks a reversal of the declining trend observed between 2014 and 2021.
Despite recent gains, the German population in Spain remains 9.8% below its 2014 level, with around 13,900 fewer residents than a decade earlier. However, the uptick since 2022 signals renewed interest in Spain, driven by factors such as climate, lifestyle, and established German communities in regions like the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Data Sources and Limitations
The figures were compiled by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, with Swiss data provided by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. Eurostat data reflects German residents in Europe as of January 1, 2024, while Swiss figures are dated December 31, 2023.
Notably, the United Kingdom was excluded from the comparison due to a lack of recent data. The last available figures from 2019 recorded nearly 142,400 German citizens residing there. Germans holding dual citizenship in their country of residence are not counted in these statistics, meaning the total number of German-born residents abroad is likely higher.
The data underscores shifting patterns in German emigration, with Switzerland and Austria continuing to dominate while Spain shows signs of a comeback as a preferred destination. The trends reflect both economic opportunities and lifestyle considerations shaping the decisions of German citizens moving abroad.