Overview
- Official figures show elevated outflows with about 288,000 people leaving Germany in the most recent year, and Destatis records roughly 330,000 Germans living in Switzerland in 2025.
- Two major 2026 indices place Switzerland at or near the top for migrants, with the Henley Opportunity Index and Remitly Immigration Index ranking Switzerland first for opportunity and earnings.
- Surveys from 2026 report growing long‑term emigration intent, especially among top earners who are actively searching or applying abroad and who often plan to stay for years or permanently.
- Practical guidance in 2026 country guides highlights how entry rules shape choices: Sweden requires registration for a personnummer to access services, New Zealand uses a Green List plus a relocation bonus for priority roles, and Portugal offers easier EU residency but lower local wages and high city housing costs.
- Experts warn the shift could deepen sectoral skill shortages in Germany by reducing return migration and removing senior specialists from tech, marketing and other key fields, which may force policy responses to retain talent.