Participants in our scientific survey can find further information on the study homepage, as well as answers to frequently asked questions and a statement on data protection and the absolute confidentiality of your information.
The survey conducted by the IAB, “International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany” (IMPa), provides a database that can be used to examine the dynamics, migration processes, and the social and economic situation of individuals in Germany and abroad. The need for such a database arises in particular for the following reasons:
Germany is facing a significant shortage of skilled labor and requires a net immigration of around 400,000 people per year to maintain its labor force potential. Given the considerable level of emigration, such an annual net increase – defined as immigration minus emigration – corresponds to a gross inflow of approximately 1.5 million people per year. According to the well-established correlation in migration research between high immigration and emigration, this relationship is particularly due to temporary migration movements.
Return and onward migration shape migration dynamics in Germany and substantially influence the size and composition of the migrant population. Simply limiting emigration is hardly realistic, as the causes are diverse and effective political control instruments are lacking. Mobility is increasing worldwide due to falling transport and communication costs, while at the same time migration is becoming increasingly temporary. This is reflected in rising immigration and emigration figures. On the one hand, attractive working and living conditions increase the likelihood of migrants staying and strengthen the long-term labor force potential. On the other hand, they also promote temporary migration. However, the length of stay is crucial, as it influences migrants’ investment in linguistic, professional and social integration. The extent and duration of migration therefore have a direct impact on the labor market, the welfare state and integration. Effective policy therefore requires reliable data on emigration.
The analysis of the effects of return and onward migration on the available labor force, social participation, and the financial sustainability of the welfare state clearly shows that these phenomena are of far-reaching importance. However, there is no comprehensive understanding of how return and onward migration are influenced by settlement intentions, integration processes, or their interactions. Of particular interest here is the role of country-specific human and social capital, which can influence decisions to stay. If investments in language or education are not utilized because people leave Germany again, both fiscal and social returns are largely lost.
Against this background, the International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa) was launched –a systematic, long-term database for analyzing return and onward migration processes. The IMPa is a longitudinal online survey conducted in multi-year cohorts. It specifically surveys immigrants in Germany about their biographies, intentions, and actual migration trajectories. In the first wave (December 2024 to April 2025), around 50,000 people were surveyed. In the future, new initial surveys will be conducted every two years, supplemented by annual repeat surveys over a period of four years. Using statistical weighting procedures, representative statements can be made about individuals who came to Germany by April 2, 2024, are registered in the data of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) (through employment, benefit receipt, or participation in labor market programs), and are of working age (18 to 65 years).
Publications based on the survey:
- Germany as a stopover? Insights into return and International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa)
- Ein Viertel der Eingewanderten in Deutschland zieht Auswanderung in Betracht
Recording of the Federal Press Conference on June 11, 2025, on the first survey results:
„Deutschland als Zwischenstation?“ – Rückkehr- und Weiterwanderungsabsichten