The number of Germans emigrating increased to 316,000 in 2023, with Switzerland and Austria as the most popular destinations. According to the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office, Switzerland remains the top European destination for German people, hosting approximately 316,000 Germans at the start of the year—a 1.5% increase from the previous year. Austria follows with around 225,000 Germans, marking a 3.7% rise. However, Spain, once a favored destination, saw a significant 11.8% decrease in German residents, dropping to 126,000. The ease of relocation to neighboring countries with no language barriers is a key factor in these trends.
Switzerland: A top choice for citizenship acquisition
Not only is Switzerland the most popular destination, but it is also where the highest number of Germans obtained citizenship. In 2022, 8,960 Germans were naturalized in Switzerland, a 12.8% increase from the previous year. Sweden and France followed, though their numbers were significantly lower.
In 2023, the number of Germans residing in various European countries without including the UK were: Switzerland (316,000), Austria (225,000), Spain (126,000), France (87,000), the Netherlands (84,000), Belgium (41,000), Italy (34,000), Sweden (32,000), Denmark (28,000), and Norway (27,000). These figures highlight the shifting preferences and challenges within the German expatriate community across Europe.
