Top 3 Destinations for Germany Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 145,000 German citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, down 3% from the year before. That's the largest emigration total in Western Europe.
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Switzerland | ~26,100 (18% of overall German outflow) |
| Germany | Austria | ~20,300 (14% of overall German outflow) |
| Germany | Poland | ~18,850 (13% of overall German outflow) |
All three are neighbors. Switzerland edges out Austria for the top spot, and both are German speaking. Poland at #3 is notable given the reverse flow is much larger (40% of Polish emigrants go to Germany).
So if Germans are headed to Switzerland, Austria, and Poland, where are those countries sending their people?
Emigration of Swiss citizens (to OECD countries) was 9,700 in 2023. ~22% went to Spain, 20% to Germany, and 7% to the Netherlands.
Emigration of Austrian citizens (to OECD countries) was 15,000 in 2023. ~38% went to Germany, 22% to Switzerland, and 9% to Turkiye.
Emigration of Polish citizens (to OECD countries) was 136,000 in 2023. ~40% went to Germany, 19% to the Netherlands, and 6% to Switzerland.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Spain | ~2,134 |
| Austria | Germany | ~5,700 |
| Poland | Germany | ~54,400 |