Many young people in Germany are considering moving abroad. The study “Jugend in Deutschland” (“Youth in Germany”), published recently, finds that about 21% of those aged 14 to 29 surveyed are actively planning to leave the country, while 41% say they could imagine moving abroad in the longer term. The findings come from a nationally representative poll of 2,012 people aged 14–29 carried out by Datajockey Verlag between 9 January and 9 February 2026.
Economic worries top the list of reasons driving the desire to emigrate. Respondents cited concerns about economic security amid two years of stagnation, rising housing costs, weak career prospects in the face of advancing AI, and growing financial pressure that make independence harder to achieve. “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,” said study director Simon Schnetzer.
Political developments are also a factor. Young voters have shown a shift toward political extremes: a Tagesschau report found that 21% of voters under 25 backed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the recent Rhineland-Palatinate state election, while the left-wing party Die Linke received 19% of that age group’s vote. The political climate — especially the rise of far-right influence — is prompting some to contemplate 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 social cultural studies master’s student. She adds 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.” Still, she acknowledges migration is not easy: “I know it’s not easy to migrate.”
Mental health appears to be deteriorating among young Germans. The study reports that 29% say they need psychological support — a figure higher among young women (34%), students (32%) and unemployed young people (42%). Many are turning to AI-supported counseling services for help with personal problems. For some, the idea of a different lifestyle abroad is appealing partly for quality-of-life reasons. 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 also said he could consider cities such as Vienna, London or Paris.
Economically, Germany remains a major power as the world’s third-largest economy by nominal GDP. But where might young Germans go? A 2024 Destatis poll lists Switzerland as the top destination, followed by Austria. Vienna is frequently cited for its livability — ranking second in Mercer’s 2024 Quality of Living survey, behind Zurich. Other attractive destinations mentioned include the USA, Spain and France.
Kaspar Ten Haaf, studying to be a teacher, says he understands why people are drawn to neighboring countries and feels that people with migration backgrounds increasingly “don’t feel welcome anymore as parties like the AfD become stronger.” He also points to growing inequality and calls for higher taxes on inherited wealth to support ordinary workers. For now, Ten Haaf plans to remain in Germany after finishing his studies.