Top Relocation Destinations for Germans

Key Takeaways

• German emigration within Europe is highly concentrated, with neighbouring countries on top of the list. Switzerland and Austria alone host well over half a million Germans, driven by proximity, shared language, and strong labour markets.
• Spain is the leading non-neighbouring destination. Its German population is shaped mainly by long-term residence and retirement, rather than work-related migration.
• France and the Netherlands reflect mixed patterns. Both combine job-driven migration with residential moves, especially in major cities, border regions, and attractive housing markets.
• Before Brexit, the United Kingdom was also a significant destination for German emigrants.
• Overall, German emigration to European countries reflects mobility rather than exit. It is driven by ease of movement and practical choices, not by large-scale permanent departure.

German emigrants’ most popular European destinations

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The largest German communities in Europe are found in neighbouring countries. At the top is Switzerland, home to around 324,000 Germans. Shared language, close economic integration, and higher average wages make it especially attractive, especially for work-related moves rather than permanent relocation. Austria follows with about 233,000 Germans, reflecting similar advantages of cultural familiarity and easy cross-border movement.

Among non-neighbouring countries, a different pattern emerges. Spain is the most popular destination further afield, with roughly 128,000 Germans living there. Its appeal is less about proximity and more about lifestyle factors. These include the attractiveness of its warmer climate, lower living costs in some regions, and established German communities. France, home to around 91,000 Germans, shows a mixed pattern. Some Germans move for work, particularly to major cities and border regions, while others settle in southern France for its climate and housing opportunities. Close behind, the Netherlands hosts about 85,000 Germans, supported by strong economic ties and internationally oriented workplaces.

TheUnited Kingdom was also a significant destination for Germans before Brexit. In 2019, around 142,000 German nationals were living there [1]. 

Beyond the top destinations, German populations remain sizeable but drop off quickly. These include Belgium (41,000), Italy (35,000), Sweden (33,000), Denmark (28,000), and Norway (26,500). Together, these countries account for the vast majority of Germans living elsewhere in Europe.

Germans also live in many other European countries, often in much smaller numbers. These include Portugal, Ireland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and several Baltic states. While less prominent in absolute terms, they highlight how widely dispersed German citizens are across Europe.

The distribution tells a simple story. Most Germans abroad live either very close to Germany, in countries with strong economic ties, or in places offering a different climate and lifestyle. This suggests that German emigration within Europe is less about permanent departure and more about mobility within an integrated region shaped by work, family, and quality-of-life considerations [3].