A recent study, Jugend in Deutschland (Youth in Germany), finds many young people are seriously considering moving abroad. The nationally representative survey of 2,012 people aged 14–29 was carried out by Datajockey Verlag between 9 January and 9 February 2026. It reports that about 21% of respondents are actively planning to leave Germany, and a further 41% could imagine moving abroad at some point.
Economic concerns are the most frequently cited reasons. Young people point to two years of economic stagnation, rising housing costs, weaker career prospects as AI advances, and mounting financial pressure that makes independence harder to achieve. Study director Simon Schnetzer summed up the mood: “The results of the study show in a dramatic way just how much the pressures of recent years are affecting young people — in the form of stress, exhaustion and a growing sense of lack of prospects.”
Political developments also play a role. The political landscape among young voters has shifted toward the extremes: a Tagesschau report found that 21% of voters under 25 supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the recent Rhineland-Palatinate state election, while 19% of that age group backed the left-wing party Die Linke. The rising influence of the far right is prompting some to consider leaving. “I think that every one of my friends is thinking about it — especially if you’re racialized, if you’re part of a minority in some way,” says Riff, a master’s student in social cultural studies. She added that cuts to cultural jobs and what she sees as growing appeasement of right-wing voters increase her concern: “I think fascism is on the rise.” She also acknowledged the practical difficulties: “I know it’s not easy to migrate.”
Mental health indicators in the survey are troubling as well. Nearly 29% of respondents said they need psychological support, with higher rates among young women (34%), students (32%), and unemployed young people (42%). Some are turning to AI-supported counseling services for help with personal problems. For others, the appeal of moving abroad includes quality-of-life considerations. Frederick, a 29-year-old law student from Hamburg, said a three-month stay in Tokyo convinced him he might move there: he described the city as “a little bit more peaceful, a little bit more clean.” He said he could also consider cities such as Vienna, London, or Paris.
Economically, Germany remains a global heavyweight as the world’s third-largest economy by nominal GDP, yet nearby countries draw interest. A 2024 Destatis poll lists Switzerland as the top destination for those leaving Germany, followed by Austria. Vienna is frequently praised for livability — it ranked second in Mercer’s 2024 Quality of Living survey, behind Zurich. Other popular destinations mentioned include the USA, Spain, and France.
Kaspar Ten Haaf, who is studying to be a teacher, said he understands why people are drawn to neighboring countries and worries that people with migration backgrounds “don’t feel welcome anymore as parties like the AfD become stronger.” He pointed to rising inequality and called for higher taxes on inherited wealth to support ordinary workers. For now, Ten Haaf plans to stay in Germany after finishing his studies.