Germany’s demographic landscape continues to evolve, with new data revealing that more than one in four people living in the country has an immigration background. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, 21.8 million residents fall into this category, accounting for 26.3% of the total population of 84 million in Germany.
Immigration in Germany: Key 2025 Statistics
The figures, published as part of the annual microcensus survey, highlight a steady rise in Germany’s migrant population:
- 21.8 million people have an immigration background
- 26.3% of the population is affected
- 0.5 percentage point increase compared to 2024
- 20% are first-generation immigrants
- 16.4 million first-generation immigrants in 2025 (up 1.7% year-on-year)
The microcensus, which surveys around 1% of Germany’s population, provides one of the most reliable snapshots of social and demographic trends in the country.
Who Are Germany’s Largest Immigrant Groups?
The data also sheds light on the origins of first-generation immigrants in Germany:
- Polish nationals: 1.5 million
- Turkish nationals: 1.5 million
- Ukrainians: 1.3 million
- Russians: 1 million
- Syrians: 1 million
These communities represent the largest shares of migrants, reflecting both historical migration patterns and more recent geopolitical developments.
Growth Slows but Trend Continues Upward
While the number of immigrants continues to rise, the pace of growth has slowed compared to previous years. The 1.7% increase in first-generation immigrants suggests a stabilization following earlier surges driven by global migration trends and humanitarian crises.
Second-Generation Immigrants on the Rise
Germany is also seeing growth in its second-generation population:
- 5.4 million people were born in Germany to immigrant parents
- This marks a 3% increase compared to 2024
This trend highlights the long-term integration of migrant communities and their growing contribution to German society.
What This Means for Germany’s Future
The rising share of people with immigrant backgrounds underscores Germany’s transformation into an increasingly diverse society. From workforce dynamics to cultural identity, migration continues to shape the country’s economic and social fabric.
As Europe’s largest economy adapts to demographic changes, these figures reinforce the importance of integration policies, labor market inclusion, and social cohesion in Germany.
