In 2025, Germany Was Home to 21.8 Million People with a Migration Background
Germany's immigrant population hits record 21.8 million in 2025
More than a quarter of the population in private households (26.3%) had a migration background, according to figures from the Federal Statistical Office based on the 2025 microcensus. This marks a 0.5 percentage-point increase compared to 2024. The term "migration background" refers to individuals who have immigrated to Germany since 1950, as well as those born in Germany whose parents both immigrated after 1950.
16.4 Million Are First-Generation Immigrants
In 2025, roughly one in five people living in Germany was a first-generation immigrant—16.4 million individuals, or 19.8% of the population. This number grew by 281,000 compared to the previous year, a 1.7% increase. However, this growth was significantly slower than between 2021 and 2024, when the immigrant population rose by an average of 6.2% (or 888,000 people) annually.
Among the 16.4 million first-generation immigrants, 6.3 million were born in just five countries: Poland and Turkey (1.5 million each), Ukraine (1.3 million), the Russian Federation (1.0 million), and Syria (1.0 million). Together, these nations accounted for 39% of all immigrants.
Children of Two Immigrant Parents: 5.4 Million
The population with a migration background also includes 5.4 million people born in Germany to two parents who immigrated after 1950. In 2025, they made up 6.5% of the population, an increase of 160,000 (3%) from 2024. Under this definition, those born in Germany with only one immigrant parent—4.2 million people, or 5% of the population—are not classified as having a migration background.
Without Immigration, Population Decline Would Be Steeper
In 2025, Germany had 56.8 million people without a migration background—488,000 fewer than the previous year, a 0.9% decline. Overall, the population in private households decreased by 38,000 compared to 2024. The Federal Statistical Office noted that without the growing number of people with a migration background, the decline would have been far sharper, totaling 478,000.
Younger Age Structure and Differences in Educational Attainment
On average, people with a migration background are younger than those without. In 2025, their median age was 38.2, compared to 47.6 for the rest of the population. The share was particularly high among 25- to 34-year-olds, with over one-third (36%) having a migration background. Among those over 65, the figure was 14%.
Data on first-generation immigrants aged 25 to 34 reveal significant disparities in vocational qualifications. Academic attainment in this group was nearly on par with the general population of the same age: 33% of immigrants held a university degree, compared to 34% overall. However, 36% of first-generation immigrants in this age bracket had no vocational qualifications and were neither in education nor training—nearly double the 17% rate for the broader age group. Consequently, fewer had completed vocational training: 27% of first-generation immigrants had finished dual-system apprenticeships or technical college, compared to 46% of all 25- to 34-year-olds.
Growth Since 2005: Up 67%
Since 2005, the number of people with a migration background has risen from 13.0 million to 21.8 million—an increase of 8.8 million, or 67%. Their share of the total population grew from 16.0% to 26.3% over the same period.
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