Germany sees net migration loss from Central and Eastern Europe

Germany is experiencing a significant shift in migration patterns from Central and Eastern Europe. In 2025, the net migration balance from nine countries in the region—including Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Czechia, and Hungary—resulted in 37,000 more people leaving Germany than entering.

This represents a sharp reversal from 2023, when the net migration balance from these nations was over 47,000 in favor of Germany. Poland recorded the largest negative migration balance with -13,600 people, a significant drop from a positive 17,000 in 2023. Bulgaria also saw a notable negative balance of -13,000 people.