Between Freedom of Movement and Exclusion

EU Labour Migration to Germany: a Concise Overview

A publication by the Polish Social Council e.V. (PSR) as part of the Kooperationsverbund für Vielfalt und Zusammenhalt (KVVZ)

This booklet provides a concise overview of key developments, challenges and areas for policy action in the field of EU labour migration to Germany. It becomes clear that, whilst EU citizens make up a significant proportion of immigrants in Germany, they often remain invisible in political and public discourse. Many are employed in jobs below their skill level and often in precarious employment. Furthermore, access to social benefits is hampered. For the first time, there are also signs of a net outflow of EU citizens from Central and Eastern Europe. Improved working and living conditions could reduce emigration and retain skilled workers in the long term.

Autors:
Kamila Schöll-Mazurek
Blanka Adamkiewicz
Julia Bökelmann

September 2026