Germany: One in Four Residents Has ‘Immigration History’

According to the latest official data, nearly a quarter of Germany’s population has a connection to immigration. This includes individuals who were born abroad or have parents who migrated to the country. The figure reflects a slight rise compared to the previous year’s statistics.

New Statistics

The Federal Statistical Office of Germany, or Destatis, reports that 26.3% of residents—amounting to 21.8 million people—either immigrated themselves or were born to two immigrant parents. The data encompasses both first- and second-generation migrants, highlighting the growing diversity of the population.

First-generation immigrants account for 19.8% of the population, or 16.4 million people, who moved to Germany independently. Second-generation migrants, those born in the country to parents who arrived since 1950, make up 6.5% of the total, totaling 5.4 million individuals.

Growth Trends

Despite a slower increase in 2025, the category of people with an immigration history has expanded significantly over the past two decades. Since 2005, the number has grown from 13 million to 21.8 million—a rise of 8.8 million, or 67%.

The modest growth in 2025 marked a contrast to earlier years, where the rate of increase was more pronounced. This suggests a stabilizing trend in the demographic shifts affecting Germany’s population.

Age and Education

Among young adults aged 25 to 34, 33% have higher education qualifications, aligning with the general population’s rate. However, 36% of this group lack formal education, a figure double the national average.

“The term ‘immigration history’ does not equate to ‘migration background,’ which also includes second-generation migrants with one German parent.”

The data reveals distinct age-related patterns, with notable disparities in educational attainment and other socio-economic factors. These insights underscore the evolving nature of Germany’s multicultural society.

To view the related video, enable JavaScript and upgrade to a web browser supporting HTML5 video. The video provides additional context on migration trends and their impact on the population.