In Germany, a growing number of affluent citizens are considering working and living abroad. Those with high incomes are especially likely to contemplate relocating, reports infohub.kz.
According to a study by the job platform Indeed, more than half of German residents with a net household income of €6,000 per month or more have searched for jobs abroad or submitted applications over the past year. About two-thirds of respondents are open to working in another country, and nearly 30% have actively explored international job opportunities.
Among those planning to move, 77% are considering leaving for several years or permanently. Since 2020, the number of searches for foreign job vacancies has more than doubled.
The main reasons for potential emigration are the desire for higher income and improved quality of life—cited by about 51% of survey participants. Approximately 42% also mentioned the appeal of a more comfortable climate and potentially lower tax burden.
Meanwhile, 70% of respondents believe that the tax burden in Germany is excessive relative to their earnings, and that their personal work contribution does not always yield adequate financial returns.
Virginia Sodergeld, a labor economist at Indeed, notes that international mobility can be beneficial in itself: professionals gain new experience, knowledge, and connections. However, she says, the widespread desire to leave may indicate dissatisfaction with conditions within the country.
The most popular destinations for potential emigrants remain the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The U.S. holds the top spot with 14.4% of search queries, although interest has dropped by a third. The UK and Switzerland follow, each with 13.6%. The attractiveness of the UAE, India, and Australia is also growing.
Germany remains attractive due to its stability: 60% of respondents consider the social environment a strength, nearly half highlight job security, and about 35% point to the social welfare system.
However, statistics show a record outflow of citizens: about 288,000 Germans left the country in the past year. The net loss of German citizens amounted to roughly 97,000 people—the highest figure since 2017.
At the same time, the country continues to welcome foreign professionals. In recent years, more skilled workers from non-EU countries—especially India—have been arriving in Germany. Many are employed in IT, artificial intelligence, engineering, and scientific research.