Emigration from and return to Germany: Patterns and motivations

Based on internationally comparable survey data, this chapter explores the motives and determinants for German-born individuals to move abroad or return from abroad. While 15% of the native-born population in Germany indicate a preference to move abroad, few actually realise those intentions. Career prospects and family reasons appear to drive the decisions of many who do emigrate. The self-reported well-being of German emigrants improves following their emigration, but remains on average below the well-being of those who stay in the country. While many consider returning, fewer German citizens have returned than have left in recent years. The chapter provides estimates suggesting that the composition of the two groups differs: those who return are less likely to be highly educated and to be active on the labour market prior to moving than those who leave.