When bureaucracy becomes a barrier: What migrants think about Germany’s administrative processes

Abstract

"Applying for a residence permit, having foreign qualifications recognised, or acquiring German citizenship: people who have moved to Germany often face lengthy bureaucratic processes. Current survey results from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) show that many migrants have had negative experiences. Almost one third of those who leave Germany again, indicate that burdensome bureaucratic processes were one reason for their departure. DOI: 10.48720/IAB.FOO.20260702.02" (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Goßner, L., Hallyburton, J. & Reinold, J. (2026): When bureaucracy becomes a barrier: What migrants think about Germany’s administrative processes. In: IAB-Forum No. 02.07.2026. DOI:10.48720/IAB.FOO.20260702.02