"We can't afford it" - EU workers leave Germany
For a long time, skilled migration helped keep Germany's job market afloat. But a new study by the Labor Ministry suggests that a growing number of EU workers who have moved for better wages no longer want to stay long-term, raising fresh questions about whether Germany can fill chronic labor shortages.
Despite high immigration flows of around 400,000 to 700,000 people per year, Germany also records high emigration, or departure, figures among EU citizens.
The study found that a significant proportion of EU migrants leave within the first four years after arrival, suggesting that working and living conditions are not attractive enough to persuade many of them, including those from neighbouring countries, to stay long-term.
The German labor market no longer seems to offer a compelling reason for many EU immigrants to stay, despite persistent shortages of skilled workers - particularly in healthcare, construction and public administration - according to findings from the German Economic Institute (IW) in November 2025.
In the ten sectors facing the most acute shortages, IW estimated that more than 260,000 positions could not be filled with adequately qualified workers. In healthcare alone, the shortage was around 46,000 vacancies. Therefore, targeted recruitment of qualified workers is essential.
EU citizens mainly move to Germany for economic reasons, such as better job and income prospects, legal security, and opportunities for their families and children. Many also come for specific jobs or training programs.
Romania remains the largest country of origin among EU migrants heading to Germany, according to the annual report by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Poland and Bulgaria come in at a distance, ahead of Italy, Hungary and Spain.
As in previous years, almost three-quarters of EU migrants came from countries that have enjoyed full freedom of movement in Germany for only about 10 to 15 years.
Inflexible working conditions, unrecognized qualifications and limited opportunities to work and progress in their trained profession were also mentioned as demotivating factors, undermining migrants’ willingness to stay. Many respondents also highlighted bureaucracy, particularly in relation to the recognition of qualifications and the management of administrative processes, as a major burden.
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