Germany confronts low‑wage foreign labor share and high‑skill brain‑drain risk

In Germany, 32.2% of foreign full‑time employees covered by social security work for low wages, compared with 13.6% of German workers in the same reference group. This accounts for roughly one‑third of all low‑wage jobs, using the 2022 low‑wage threshold of €2,431 per month. Researchers note that language barriers, limited social networks and uncertain residence status exacerbate the precarious situation of migrant workers.

A separate survey by the job platform Indeed found that two‑thirds of German employees would consider working abroad, and about half of those earning a net household income above €6,000 have already explored overseas job opportunities. While only around 270,000 Germans have moved abroad so far—a small share of the 46 million workforce—experts warn that a combination of higher foreign salaries and better relocation packages could trigger a larger skilled‑worker outflow.