Germany’s population grew by 300,000 in 2023 to reach 84.7 million people, the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reported on January 25th.
Net migration continues to drive population growth as Germany faces a persisting birth deficit.
Destatis said that the 0.3% population growth aligns with the 2012 to 2021 average rate but falls short of 2022’s unusually high 1.1 million growth spurred by Ukrainian war refugees.
Migration Remains Primary Growth Engine
The agency estimates 2023’s net migration between 680,000 to 710,000 despite a significant drop from 2022’s 1.46 million record influx.
Destatis said that more people arrived than departed every year since reunification, offsetting Germany’s negative birth-death balance.
“In 2023, net immigration, representing the balance between arrivals and departures, remained the sole driver of population growth,” Destatis said.
The 2023 net migration levels still rate among Germany’s highest historically, comparable to the early 1990s influx of repatriates and Yugoslav War refugees.
Births Continue to Fall Short of Deaths
Germany faces an estimated birth deficit of at least 320,000 in 2023 as deaths fall while births plunge.
Preliminary registry office data point to 680,000 to 700,000 births in 2023, a nearly 7% year-over-year drop from 2022’s 738,819.
The data also signal at least 1.02 million deaths in 2023 versus the previous year’s 1.07 million.
Steps Taken to Address Worker Shortfall
While net immigration drops significantly from last year’s high, Germany continues to experience solid population growth.
The government has passed reforms, like easier dual citizenship, to attract foreign workers needed to address labor shortfalls from persistently low birth rates.
Officials also aim to accelerate deportations with stronger border controls while addressing humanitarian concerns, including the ongoing intake of Ukrainian war refugees.
Influx Eases Entry for Some EU Citizens
Germany’s pro-immigration tilt spells relief for visa-exempt EU citizens amid easing policy. Ukrainians can stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period.
Nationals of Latvia and Poland may perceive easier paths to long-term residency. Non-EU family members of EU citizens can also benefit from Germany’s demand for migrant workers.
The ETIAS visa waiver, too, facilitates some EU tourism and business travel starting in 2025. Although application approvals are virtually guaranteed, fees still apply after multiple entries.
Policy Steps Remove Barriers for Non-EU Workers
Germany’s 2023 reforms include easier language requirements to obtain work visas for skilled non-EU laborers.
The government also passed legislation to accelerate asylum requests. While expediting deportations for rejected applicants, approvals raise acceptance rates.
Such changes expand options for non-EU students and professionals aspiring to study, work, and settle long-term in Germany.
The country’s high and rising livability standards also benefit new immigrants and citizens alike. Stable, diversifying growth makes Germany an attractive destination for EU and non-EU migrants.
Solid Growth Outlook Despite Slowing Momentum
Germany’s 2023 population growth slipped from 2022’s breakneck pace but held at the solid average annual rate observed over the past decade.
Robust net migration continues to drive gains that offset the country’s birth dearth. Steps to ease worker shortages also paint an optimistic picture of Germany’s growth trajectory.
While the Ukrainian crisis immigration wave ebbs, Germany remains attractive to migrants and is actively courting newcomers to address labor gaps. This pro-immigration policy supports consistent population expansion despite declining domestic birth rates.
With strong net migration buttressing growth, Germany’s population outlook remains healthy amid slowing but still solid momentum.