Germany as the Dream Destination for Many from Asia, Africa

For countless individuals in Asia, Africa and the southern hemisphere of the world, a common dream endures: to live and work in Northern Europe. Among all destinations, Germany stands out as the most popular choice for economic migrants. In this article we explore the reasons behind Germany’s enduring appeal—its role as a magnet for business and skilled labour—and review migration statistics that illustrate the scale of this trend.

Migration Trends: Asia and Africa Send Increasing Numbers to Germany

Germany has seen substantial immigration from both Asia and Africa in recent decades. In 2023, some 376,968 people immigrated from Asia—up from 331,110 in 2022—and 94,614 arrived from Africa (compared to 72,917 in 2022). Overall immigration to Germany reached nearly 1.93 million people in 2023, while about 1.27 million emigrated, yielding a migration balance (net gain) of approximately 662,964.

By comparison, net migration in 2022 hit a record-high of about 1.46 million, driven in large part by over one million refugees from Ukraine. Despite the drop in overall net migration in 2023, immigration from Asia and especially Turkey increased—Turkey alone accounted for 126,000 new arrivals in 2023, up 56 % year-on-year.

These figures underscore a broader trend: Germany remains a top destination for individuals from Asia and Africa seeking better opportunities, even as overall migration patterns fluctuate.

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Why Germany Is the Best Place to Live and Work: Key Advantages

Germany has long established itself as a destination of choice for economic migrants. Here are the main reasons:

Stable and strong economy: With Europe’s largest GDP and a manufacturing base in sectors like automotive, engineering, IT and healthcare, Germany offers consistent demand for skilled labour.
Attractive labour migration policies: The 2023 Law on the Immigration of Skilled Workers lowered salary thresholds and expanded EU Blue Card eligibility, making it easier to legally migrate for work.
Labour shortages and demand: Germany reportedly needs up to 400,000 new workers annually to maintain essential public services and support its ageing population—making migration a necessity rather than a luxury.
Integration programmes and language training: The government invests in integration courses (e.g. language schools, professional certifications), with high completion levels and gradually easier paths to permanent residency or citizenship.
Business-friendly climate: Germany is not only a destination for individuals but also for entrepreneurs. With robust legal infrastructure, low corporate risk, central European location and membership in the EU, it draws foreign investment and business ventures.
Quality of life: High public safety, solid healthcare, social security systems, and urban living standards in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt are compelling reasons to stay.
European access: As an EU member, Germany offers mobility within Europe, allowing skilled migrants to live, work or travel freely in many neighboring countries.

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Germany as a Magnet for Business

Germany's economic model is particularly appealing to investors and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) from abroad:

Its central role in European supply chains, industrial clusters (e.g. automotive in Bavaria, machinery in Baden-Württemberg), and strong Mittelstand tradition (family-owned SMEs) give foreign entrepreneurs access to high-quality suppliers and clients. The legal environment ensures contract enforcement, intellectual property rights protection, and stability of investments.

Moreover, recent bilateral migration partnerships—such as Kenya, India, Morocco, Nigeria and others—explicitly include skilled worker initiatives for healthcare, IT, construction, and technical trades. For example, the 2024 agreement with Kenya aims to admit up to 250,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers over time.

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Dreams of Better Life: The Perspective from Asia and Africa

For many people in Asia and Africa, Germany represents the promise of upward mobility. Countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and across Africa face limited domestic opportunities, youth unemployment, and often fragile political or economic environments.

Germany's reputation for fair wages, labour standards, respect for workers' rights, and relatively transparent visa regimes make it especially attractive to young professionals and families. The chance to send remittances home while gaining professional experience creates a powerful incentive.

Summary: Why Germany Should Be the Top Choice

Germany combines practical opportunity and social stability. It offers:

Large scale and growing demand for labour from outside the EU
Modern, business‑friendly frameworks for entrepreneurs and investors
Strong integration policies, with pathways to residency and citizenship
Economic resilience and high quality of life

For those from Asia, Africa, and the global South, Germany is not just a country of transit—it is perceived as a place for long-term settlement, career growth, and family security.

Migration Numbers at a Glance

Here is a quick snapshot of the most recent data:

2023 Immigrants to Germany: ~1,932,509 total; including ~376,968 from Asia and ~94,614 from Africa.
2023 Emigrants from Germany: ~1,269,545 total; among them ~90,349 from Asia and ~33,687 from Africa.
Net migration 2023: ~662,964 (down from 1,462,089 in 2022 peak).

Germany remains for many in the developing world a beacon of opportunity. Its combination of economic stability, favourable immigration policies, demand for skilled workers, supportive integration infrastructure, and entrepreneurial environment makes it one of the best places to live and build a future.

For aspiring migrants from Asia, Africa, and beyond, Germany continues to offer not only a path to employment and prosperity, but also the possibility of a new home in the heart of Europe.