A new survey of 30,000 residents by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) paints a nuanced picture of life satisfaction among Germany’s 23 million people with immigrant roots. The 2025 “BiB Monitor Well-Being” report, released on 29 October, shows that newly arrived Eastern Europeans are the most satisfied cohort, while children of immigrants report lower happiness levels than both their parents and native Germans—a phenomenon researchers label the "integration paradox."
Language proficiency emerged as the single strongest predictor of well-being. Migrants who rarely speak German at home are significantly more likely to feel excluded, affecting workplace performance and retention. For employers battling skill shortages, the findings underline the importance of sponsoring job-related language training and mentoring programmes.
Syrian arrivals—beneficiaries of broad protection status and family-reunification rights—showed higher satisfaction than Afghans or Eritreans, illustrating how residence security shapes integration outcomes. Among Ukrainians displaced by the war, satisfaction remains relatively low, especially for older women separated from partners still in Ukraine.
The study also notes rising emigration intent among well-qualified second-generation migrants who feel “stuck” in mid-level positions despite strong German skills. HR departments are encouraged to audit diversity pipelines to prevent a talent drain.
Policy-makers may use the data to fine-tune the new Opportunity Card points-based immigration pathway, which aims to retain international graduates. The report suggests that structural barriers—not motivation—drive dissatisfaction among Germany-born children of migrants.
Language proficiency emerged as the single strongest predictor of well-being. Migrants who rarely speak German at home are significantly more likely to feel excluded, affecting workplace performance and retention. For employers battling skill shortages, the findings underline the importance of sponsoring job-related language training and mentoring programmes.
Syrian arrivals—beneficiaries of broad protection status and family-reunification rights—showed higher satisfaction than Afghans or Eritreans, illustrating how residence security shapes integration outcomes. Among Ukrainians displaced by the war, satisfaction remains relatively low, especially for older women separated from partners still in Ukraine.
The study also notes rising emigration intent among well-qualified second-generation migrants who feel “stuck” in mid-level positions despite strong German skills. HR departments are encouraged to audit diversity pipelines to prevent a talent drain.
Policy-makers may use the data to fine-tune the new Opportunity Card points-based immigration pathway, which aims to retain international graduates. The report suggests that structural barriers—not motivation—drive dissatisfaction among Germany-born children of migrants.
