The largest number of immigrants in Germany were from Ukraine, as of 2022. The top three origin countries were rounded up by Romania and Poland. Immigrants are defined as having left a country, which may be their home country, to permanently reside in another. Upon arriving, immigrants do not hold the citizenship of the country they move to.
Immigration in the EU
All three aforementioned countries are members of the European Union, which means their citizens have freedom of movement between EU member states. In practice, this means that citizens of any EU member country may relocate between them to live and work there. Unrestricted by visas or residence permits, the search for university courses, jobs, retirement options, and places to live seems to be defined by an enormous amount of choice. However, even in this freedom of movement scheme, immigration may be hampered by bureaucratic hurdles or financial challenges.
Prosperity with a question mark
While Germany continues to be an attractive destination for foreigners both in and outside the European Union, as well as asylum applicants, it remains to be seen how current events might influence these patterns, whether the number of immigrants arriving from certain countries will shift. Europe’s largest economy is suffering. Climbing inflation levels in the last few months, as well as remaining difficulties from the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are affecting global economic development. Ultimately, future immigrants may face the fact of moving from one struggling economy to another.
Number of immigrants in Germany in 2022, by country of origin
(in 1,000s)
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Statistisches Bundesamt. (June 27, 2023). Number of immigrants in Germany in 2022, by country of origin (in 1,000s) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 06, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/894238/immigrant-numbers-by-country-of-origin-germany/
Statistisches Bundesamt. "Number of immigrants in Germany in 2022, by country of origin (in 1,000s)." Chart. June 27, 2023. Statista. Accessed October 06, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/894238/immigrant-numbers-by-country-of-origin-germany/
Statistisches Bundesamt. (2023). Number of immigrants in Germany in 2022, by country of origin (in 1,000s). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 06, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/894238/immigrant-numbers-by-country-of-origin-germany/
Statistisches Bundesamt. "Number of Immigrants in Germany in 2022, by Country of Origin (in 1,000s)." Statista, Statista Inc., 27 Jun 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/894238/immigrant-numbers-by-country-of-origin-germany/
Statistisches Bundesamt, Number of immigrants in Germany in 2022, by country of origin (in 1,000s) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/894238/immigrant-numbers-by-country-of-origin-germany/ (last visited October 06, 2024)
Number of immigrants in Germany in 2022, by country of origin (in 1,000s) [Graph], Statistisches Bundesamt, June 27, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/894238/immigrant-numbers-by-country-of-origin-germany/