Net immigration to Germany fell significantly in 2024, continuing a downward trend that began after the record influx in 2022. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, Germany recorded a net immigration of around 430,000 in 2024, marking a significant drop from 663,000 in 2023 and a sharp decline from the 1.46 million peak in 2022.
In 2024, Germany saw approximately 1.69 million people enter the country, while about 1.26 million left. This represents a 12 percent decrease in immigration year-over-year, while the emigration rate remained largely unchanged. The decline in net migration reflects changing global dynamics, evolving domestic policies, and a shift in migration patterns within and beyond Europe.
A major contributor to the decline was the drop in arrivals from countries that had previously sent large numbers of asylum seekers. Migration from Syria decreased by 25%, from Turkey by 53%, and from Afghanistan by 32% compared to 2023. This reduction points to tighter borders, changes in geopolitical pressures, or shifts in migration routes and policies affecting asylum seekers and humanitarian migration.
Migration from Ukraine remained relatively stable in 2024, with a net increase of around 121,000 people. However, both arrivals and departures dropped equally. In the first four months of 2025, net immigration from Ukraine fell to 20,000, nearly half the 38,000 recorded during the same period in the previous year. This suggests a slowdown in war-related displacement from the Russian invasion.
For the first time since 2008, Germany experienced a net outflow of people to other European Union countries. In 2024, around 34,000 more people left Germany for EU nations than entered from them. This reversal is partly due to declines in migration from Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. The drop may reflect labor market shifts, increased cost of living in Germany, or stronger economic prospects in some neighboring states.
Germany also recorded approximately one million internal migrations across state lines. Brandenburg saw the largest net gain, with 12,000 more residents moving in than out. Other states with notable increases included Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein. In contrast, Berlin faced the largest population loss, with around 15,000 residents relocating elsewhere in the country. Thuringia, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia also recorded notable declines in population through internal migration.
Several factors are contributing to the decline in immigration. These include stricter immigration controls, changes in asylum policy, and shifting economic opportunities within and outside Germany. Intra-European migration is also being influenced by evolving labor markets and quality-of-life considerations.
Related Read: Why Migrants Are Planning to Leave Germany
Growing dissatisfaction with social integration, rising living costs, and workplace challenges are pushing some migrants to consider leaving Germany altogether. For a deeper look at these issues, read the full article here: Why Are Migrants Planning to Leave Germany?
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