Germany reports record emigration to Switzerland and Austria amid mixed public views on refugee intake

According to Germany's Federal Statistical Office, about 330,000 German citizens lived in Switzerland in 2025, making it the top destination, followed by 239,000 in Austria and 132,000 in Spain. Other European hubs include France (94,000), the Netherlands (85,000) and Belgium (41,000). The data shows a steady rise, with Austrian numbers increasing by nearly 70,000 over the past decade.

A new Ipsos UK poll released with UNHCR found that 51 % of Germans support fully closing borders to refugees, while 69 % endorse the right of people to seek protection abroad. About 62 % believe many asylum seekers are motivated by economic reasons rather than genuine need, and only 30 % think refugees will integrate successfully, compared with a 44 % European average. The survey highlights a generational gap: younger Germans are more open to refugee intake than older cohorts.