Published on
September 11, 2025
Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, and Sweden have become increasingly popular destinations for Germans seeking better opportunities abroad. Several factors contribute to this growing trend, including the geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and economic advantages these countries offer. For Germans looking for new career prospects, many of these nations have strong job markets, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance. The high quality of life, coupled with excellent healthcare, education systems, and vibrant cultural scenes, also make these countries attractive to expatriates. Moreover, the shared language or ease of language transition in countries like Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands helps facilitate smoother integration, further drawing Germans to these European nations. Whether it’s the Mediterranean climate in Spain and Italy or the progressive policies and work-life balance in Sweden and the Netherlands, these countries are becoming top choices for Germans seeking a fresh start and enhanced living conditions.
Switzerland remains the leading destination for Germans seeking to live abroad. By the beginning of 2024, nearly 323,600 German citizens were residing in Switzerland, marking a 2.4% increase from the previous year. Over the past decade, the German population in Switzerland has grown by 10.7%, reflecting a long-standing trend of increasing migration.
This trend is largely driven by the country’s geographic proximity to Germany and shared cultural and linguistic ties. For many Germans, the move to Switzerland is an appealing choice due to the ease of relocation. The Swiss offer a high standard of living, strong economic conditions, and political stability, all of which make the country a preferred destination for expatriates.
Switzerland’s robust economy, particularly its strong financial sector, offers excellent job prospects for skilled workers, while the healthcare system and educational standards are among the best in Europe. These factors, along with the similarities between the German and Swiss languages, make it easier for Germans to settle in. With minimal language barriers and the familiar cultural environment, Germans often find the transition smooth.
Austria: A Close Contender
Austria has emerged as the second most popular European destination for German emigrants. In early 2024, around 232,700 Germans were living in Austria. The number of German nationals in Austria grew by 3.4% from the previous year, outpacing Switzerland’s rate of increase. Over the last decade, the number of Germans living in Austria has increased by an impressive 41.2%.
As with Switzerland, Austria offers many advantages that attract German expatriates. The geographical proximity, shared cultural heritage, and German language spoken by most of the population make Austria an easy choice for many Germans. Additionally, Austria’s well-established healthcare and educational systems, alongside its high-quality infrastructure, contribute to its strong appeal. Its central European location, well-connected to both Western and Eastern Europe, also provides ample professional and economic opportunities.
Austria’s thriving economy, particularly in industries such as technology and engineering, along with its reputation for safety and high living standards, makes it a top choice for Germans seeking both career success and a fulfilling lifestyle. Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg continue to be major cultural and economic hubs, attracting professionals, students, and retirees alike.
Spain: A Revival of Interest
In recent years, Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for Germans seeking to live outside of the German-speaking world. By the start of 2024, about 128,000 German nationals were residing in Spain, a 1.8% increase from the previous year. This marks a significant shift after a period of decline in German emigration to Spain between 2014 and 2021.
The drop in migration to Spain during those years was largely due to economic factors, including the aftermath of the European debt crisis. However, since 2022, there has been a noticeable reversal of this trend, with more Germans opting to settle in Spain. Although the number of Germans in Spain is still 9.8% lower than it was ten years ago, the upward trend suggests that Spain is regaining its appeal as a destination for German nationals.
Spain’s sunny climate, vibrant lifestyle, and relatively low cost of living make it an attractive option for retirees, digital nomads, and young professionals. Additionally, the country’s growing economy, particularly in sectors such as technology, tourism, and renewable energy, has created new job opportunities. Spain’s diverse culture, scenic landscapes, and relaxed pace of life further solidify its status as a popular destination for German expatriates.
Other Popular Destinations: France, Netherlands, and Beyond
Following Spain, France and the Netherlands are the next most popular European destinations for Germans. Both countries offer a range of opportunities, including strong job markets, high living standards, and shared cultural ties with Germany. France remains an attractive choice for Germans due to its proximity and diverse cultural and professional opportunities, while the Netherlands, with its progressive policies and excellent work-life balance, has become a top destination for young expatriates and professionals.
Belgium, Italy, and Sweden also continue to see notable numbers of German nationals. While these countries may not attract as many German emigrants as Switzerland, Austria, Spain, or the Netherlands, they still offer high living standards, strong economies, and opportunities for professional growth, making them appealing choices for many Germans.
The Impact of Brexit on the UK
Once a significant destination for German emigrants, the United Kingdom no longer appears in recent migration data, as Brexit has complicated the movement of people between Germany and the UK. The most recent data available is from 2019, when approximately 142,400 Germans were living in the UK. However, since the UK’s departure from the European Union, migration patterns have shifted. With new restrictions on free movement, fewer Germans are likely to choose the UK as their destination for work or residence.
Brexit has introduced additional hurdles for Germans seeking to move to the UK, and it remains to be seen how these changes will affect future migration trends. As a result, many Germans are opting for countries within the European Union, where mobility is still relatively unrestricted.
The migration patterns of Germans reflect broader trends in European emigration. Switzerland and Austria continue to be the top destinations, benefiting from geographical proximity, shared languages, and strong economic opportunities. Spain, after a period of decline, is experiencing a revival in popularity, while countries like France, the Netherlands, and Belgium remain steady options for those seeking new opportunities abroad.
Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, and Sweden are gaining popularity among Germans seeking better opportunities abroad due to their strong economies, high quality of life, and cultural similarities that ease integration.
As for the UK, the impact of Brexit has led to a decline in the number of Germans migrating there, as new barriers make it more difficult to move. In the years to come, it’s likely that neighboring countries within the EU will continue to dominate as the preferred destinations for German expatriates.
