Germany continues to attract large numbers of European workers each year, but many are leaving the country after only a few years, according to a new government-backed study. The trend raises concerns about whether Europe’s largest economy can maintain its workforce and address long-standing labour shortages.

The study, presented in Berlin by Federal Government Commissioner for Integration Natalie Pawlik, examined why many EU citizens choose not to remain in Germany long term. Pawlik warned that Germany risks losing a significant share of workers who are vital to the country’s economy.

“We cannot afford to lose a third of EU citizens due to poor conditions,” Pawlik said while presenting findings from research conducted by the EU Equal Treatment Office.

Many Migrants Leave Within Four Years

Germany continues to record strong immigration numbers, with between 400,000 and 700,000 people arriving each year. However, emigration figures are also high, especially among EU nationals.

The study found that a large portion of EU migrants leave Germany within their first four years in the country. Researchers say this suggests that working conditions, career opportunities, and overall living experiences are not strong enough to convince many migrants to stay.

Germany has long relied on skilled migration to keep its labour market functioning. But experts now warn that the country’s appeal to EU workers may be weakening.

Labour Shortages Persist

Despite the outflow of workers, Germany still faces significant labour shortages across multiple sectors.

According to research from the German Economic Institute (IW) published in November 2025, more than 260,000 jobs remain unfilled across the ten sectors experiencing the most severe shortages.

Healthcare alone accounts for roughly 46,000 vacant positions, while industries such as construction and public administration also struggle to recruit staff.

Valeria Quispe, an expert at the institute, said these shortages are already affecting everyday services.

“Bottlenecks in the healthcare sector are leading to long waiting times for appointments, while a lack of staff in the construction industry is slowing down residential construction,” she explained.

Although the recent economic slowdown has slightly reduced pressure on the labour market, experts say the long-term shortage of skilled workers remains a serious concern.

Where EU Workers Come From

Many EU citizens move to Germany for economic reasons, including higher wages, job opportunities, and legal stability. Family prospects and education opportunities for children are also major factors.

Romania remains the largest source of EU migrants to Germany, according to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Other major countries of origin include:

• Poland

• Bulgaria

• Italy

• Hungary

• Spain

Almost three-quarters of EU migrants come from countries that have had full freedom of movement in Germany for only the past 10 to 15 years. Romanian, Polish, and Bulgarian citizens account for around 80 percent of this group.

However, migration trends have recently shifted.

In 2024, immigration to Germany dropped to its lowest level since 2011. The biggest declines were recorded among migrants from Croatia, Poland, and Bulgaria.

Net migration from EU countries fell sharply to 38,735 people, representing a 66.8 percent decrease compared with the previous year.

Why Many Migrants Leave

The study highlights several reasons why many EU migrants consider leaving Germany after arriving.

High living costs were frequently mentioned as a major challenge. Many migrants also said they struggled to feel fully integrated into German society.

Interviews conducted by the EU Equal Treatment Centre revealed that many migrants perceive Germany as an “unstable place to live.”

Among those surveyed:

• 38.8 percent said they did not feel comfortable living in Germany

• 49.4 percent reported experiencing discrimination at work

Other common complaints included:

• Inflexible working conditions

• Difficulty getting foreign qualifications recognised

• Limited career progression opportunities

• Complex bureaucracy and administrative procedures

These barriers can make it harder for migrants to settle permanently and increase the likelihood that they will eventually move to another country or return home.

Need For Better Integration

Researchers say improving integration policies could help Germany retain more workers. Better support in housing, employment, and daily life could make it easier for migrants to establish long-term lives in the country.

Creating a more inclusive environment and simplifying administrative processes could also improve retention rates.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Federal Employment Agency reports that recent job growth in the country has been driven mainly by workers from outside the European Union.

Agency head Andrea Nahles explained that employment among German citizens is falling largely due to demographic changes.

“Employment among German nationals is falling sharply, primarily due to age,” Nahles said. “This is simply because the baby boomers are now actually retiring.”

Information Support For European Workers

As labour mobility continues across Europe, many workers explore opportunities in different EU countries.

Organizations such as EU Helpers provide informational resources to individuals interested in working or living in Europe. They help people understand job opportunities, migration pathways, and employment conditions in various European countries.

Such resources can help migrants make informed decisions when considering work opportunities across the European labour market.