Freelancers in Germany: Only almost half are still thinking about emigrating

48% of freelancers in Germany are considering emigrating abroad, according to a survey by the Freelancermap recruitment portal. The reasons for turning their backs on Germany include the prospect of better living conditions, local politics and less bureaucracy.

Compared to the previous year's Freelancermap survey, the mood among freelancers seems to have brightened a little: in 2024, more than half (54%) were still considering emigrating, whereas now only almost half are. In addition, the proportion of those for whom emigration is not an option has also risen – from 22% in the previous year to 35% currently. Specifically, only eight percent were planning to emigrate (2024: 14 percent). As in the previous year, almost one in ten respondents stated that they had already emigrated in 2025. According to Freelancermap, 1752 freelancers were surveyed for this year's sentiment survey.

“Structural failure”?

However, Freelancermap does not see any real improvement in the situation for solo freelancers in Germany: “If almost every second freelancer is considering leaving Germany, this is no longer an individual problem, but a structural failure,” commented Thomas Maas, CEO of Freelancermap, on the results. Little has changed in terms of the lack of legal certainty and political prospects for the self-employed.

The most common reason for considering emigration for 42% is better living conditions abroad. Other arguments include tax advantages (38 percent) and political or social reasons (37 percent). Over a third also cited the desire for less bureaucracy and one in four freelancers cited the reduced risk of bogus self-employment, which is a particular concern for IT freelancers in Germany. 20 percent also hoped for better job opportunities abroad.

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(axk)