Berlin, July 28 – Berlin’s net migration gain experienced a notable decline last year, according to data released by the Office for Statistics Berlin-Brandenburg. Although the number of people moving to the federal capital continued to exceed those leaving, the net inflow amounted to just under 20,000 individuals, marking a significant 27% decrease compared to 2024.
Migration Statistics: Inflow and Outflow
In 2025, approximately 177,000 people moved to Berlin, while around 157,000 individuals departed the city. This resulted in a net migration gain of 20,000 people, a substantial reduction from the previous year’s figures.
A breakdown of the migration data reveals distinct trends among different population groups:
- German Nationals: Approximately 57,000 Germans moved to Berlin, while around 78,000 Germans left the city. This indicates a net migration loss of over 20,000 German citizens for Berlin.
- Foreign Nationals: Around 120,000 foreign nationals moved to Berlin, with about 80,000 leaving. This resulted in a net migration gain of 40,000 foreign nationals.
A spokesperson for the Office for Statistics Berlin-Brandenburg stated, “Overall, this corresponds to a migration loss among German nationals of over 20,000 people.”
Brandenburg Benefits from Berlin’s Outflow
Berlin’s direct neighbor, Brandenburg, has particularly benefited from the migration out of the federal capital. Approximately 31,000 people relocated from Berlin to Brandenburg, while nearly 19,000 individuals moved in the opposite direction.
Brandenburg also recorded a net migration gain last year, though it was lower than in 2024. In 2025, Brandenburg registered around 82,000 arrivals and approximately 66,000 departures. The net gain of 16,000 people was less than the almost 23,000 individuals recorded in 2024. Statisticians attribute this to a decrease in arrivals combined with an increase in departures.
Context of Migration Trends
The decline in Berlin’s net migration gain reflects broader demographic shifts and regional dynamics. While the capital continues to attract a significant number of people, particularly from abroad, the outflow of German residents, often to surrounding areas like Brandenburg, is a notable trend. This movement can be influenced by various factors, including housing costs, quality of life, and employment opportunities in the surrounding regions.
The data from the Office for Statistics Berlin-Brandenburg provides crucial insights for urban planners and policymakers to understand and address the evolving demographic landscape of Berlin and its surrounding areas. The continued monitoring of these trends will be essential for future infrastructure and social planning.
Further analysis of the specific reasons behind the decreased net migration gain, such as economic conditions or changes in housing markets, will be necessary to fully comprehend the implications of these figures for Berlin’s future development.
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2026-07/28/zuwanderungsplus-in-berlin-bricht-deutlich-ein
