It happened exactly why Chancellor Friedrich Merz wanted to prevent. After 100 days of the rule of the Khadecko-Social Democratic Coalition The German economy is still struggling with problems. Citizens and entrepreneurs are disappointed because there are no changes for the better, which Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil promised.
Although it would be premature to write the government on losses after such a short time, a sense of abandonment in the industrialized country, which has been losing economic rush for over half a decade, is understandable. The fear of politicians against reforms is like mold covering Germany.
On summer days, at garden or beach parties, many Germans discuss whether emigration is not accidentally The only way to a better future for them or their children. Guides with tips on a new start, whether in distant Canada or in neighboring Switzerland, sell like warm buns.
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More and more Germans turn away from their homeland with her aging population, growing abyss of debts and an overloaded state machine. This trend has been seen in Germany for some time. Until 2015, the number of German emigrants remained at a fairly constant level of approx. 140 thousand. annually. Since then, the outflow of German citizens looking for happiness elsewhere has almost doubled to 270 thousand. people.
The most talented Germans do not want to live in their own country
Of course, most people stay abroad for some time to study or take temporary work. However, more and more Germans are moving abroad permanently. To sum up, In a decade, Germany has already lost over half a million inhabitants. Because most of them are highly educated, relatively young people, this loss is extremely painful. This brain drainage will weaken Germany even more. Despite the large number of immigrants, it is expected that the workforce will shrink.
More and more people who achieve success in Germany are not agreed to rob them from the fruits of their work by politicians blind for the future. Global competition for talents is a chance for them. This applies to both IT experts and traders, doctors and carers, entrepreneurs and freelancers.
People with high earnings and ambitious young people know that They will pay bills for debt service and excessively extended social insurance funds from politicians who want to share their wealth with others. The louder SPD demands higher income and property taxes, the more tempting other locations with their customary taxes and contributions seem to be tempting.
“Tax on moving out” almost like in the GDR
However, the one who thinks that every German citizen can freely leave with his belongings is wrong. Tax authorities are closely observing whether they can still extort property from emigrants. Keyword: tax on moving out. The German state can barely operate in many respects, but the legislator quickly reacted to the wave of emigration. Under the previous coalition, a tax provision – of which many residents are not aware of – has been raised twice. Since then, he has been hiding with greater strength.
Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor. Berlin, August 13, 2025EPA / FILIP SINGER / PAP
Each natural person who has at least 1 percent. shares in a limited liability company or other corporations, is subject to tax on moving out. Investment funds and ETF are also subject to this tax since the beginning of the year. The tax is due, even if the emigrant does not sell his shares.
The tax office takes into account the hypothetical capital profit, which is then subject to the rate of personal income tax. Capital losses, on the other hand, are not calculated. Even if the heir lives abroad, Tax on the movement is paid at the time of the testator's death.
Apparently, the Germans must once again stop their citizens from “escaping from the republic” – as it was called in the East Germany. High tax for emigrants was introduced for the first time at the end of World War I, which the German Empire financed from public debt. Despite this, many left in the following decades.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
