Germany Survey Shows Over Half Want to Live Abroad

A market research survey conducted by 3Gem between 24 June and 1 July 2026 interviewed 2,000 people across Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. More than half of German respondents (52 %) said they expect to live abroad at some point, with rising living‑cost pressures cited by 43 % as the main driver. About one in ten Germans are already planning a move, while a similar share rule it out entirely. The poll, commissioned by the insurance firm Feather, also found comparable interest in France (57 %), Italy (49 %) and the UK (48 %).

Separately, German teacher Alina Trawin, originally from Ulm, relocated to Colombia in 2023. She now works at a German school in Barranquilla and runs a surf school with her partner Samith. Describing life there as “colourful, warm and chaotic,” she highlights cultural openness and practical problem‑solving as advantages, while noting language acquisition and cultural nuances as initial challenges. Official statistics show that 448 Germans moved to Colombia in 2025, underscoring a growing trend of German expatriates seeking opportunities outside Europe.