Is Germany Still Worth It in 2026? Why Foreigners Are Leaving

After 7 years here, I'm watching foreigners leave Germany in record numbers — over 300,000 with concrete plans to go. And I'm doing the opposite: applying for citizenship. This video breaks down the 6 real reasons people are giving up on living in Germany as a foreigner, from bureaucracy and the housing crunch to the language barrier and feeling like an outsider no matter how long you stay.I pulled the actual numbers (including the IAB survey where 26% of immigrants said they're thinking about leaving) and lined them up against my own experience. Some of it I completely understand. Some of it makes me want to stay even more. By the end I'll tell you why I'm still here when so many people are heading for the exit.If you're thinking about moving to Germany, already living here, or just curious what life in Germany as a foreigner actually looks like beyond the highlight reel — this one's for you.⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 The Wave of Foreigners Leaving Germany 1:08 The Numbers: Who's Really Leaving? 2:11 Reason 1: Bureaucracy & the Digitization Problem 3:36 Reason 2: Political Climate & the Rise of the Far Right 4:24 Reason 3: High Taxes & Social Contributions 5:19 Reason 4: Cost of Living — Rents & Electricity 6:29 Reason 5: Discrimination in Work & Housing 7:14 Reason 6: Career Prospects & Qualification Recognition 8:38 What Germany Is (or Isn't) Doing About Retention 10:00 My Personal Calculation — Why I'm Still Staying 👋 I'm Liz — an American who moved to Germany at 22 and never left. I make honest video essays about German vs. American culture, identity shifts, and what it really feels like to build a life abroad. Subscribe for a new one every Thursday and Sunday.#LivingInGermany #LifeInGermany #ExpatLife #Germany #movingtogermany Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster! 🚀 https://vidiq.com/untoldabroad Brand collabs: [email protected]