New data released by the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) paints a nuanced portrait of the Italian diaspora within Germany, revealing evolving patterns of migration, integration and citizenship. As of 2024, an estimated 650,000 individuals in Germany have a connection to Italian immigration, a demographic increasingly characterized by generational shifts and raising complex questions regarding long-term belonging and national identity.
The figures highlight a stark divide between those who directly immigrated to Germany – 465,000 individuals, or 72% of the total – and their descendants born within Germany (185,000, representing 28%). A significant portion (67,000) are former guest workers who arrived under the recruitment agreements of 1955-1973, a period crucial to Germany’s post-war economic boom and reliance on foreign labor. These individuals, often having settled and built lives in Germany, represent a legacy of historical labor mobility.
Interestingly, the data indicates that Italian-born immigrants who later relocated to Germany have resided in the country for an average of 30.3 years, suggesting a degree of established residency. While a substantial component (24%, or 113,000) arrived during the peak recruitment period, an even larger group (32%, or 147,000) immigrated post-2014, reflecting recent changes in migration flows and potentially influenced by factors like the Eurozone crisis and broader European mobility. The average age at arrival has also shifted; newly arrived immigrants were, on average, 19.8 years old.
The motivations behind migration remain largely consistent with historical trends. Economic opportunity continues to be a primary driver (41% citing work as the main reason), closely followed by family reunification (44%). However, the growth in individuals citing education and EU freedom of movement are subtle indicators of evolving migration patterns, aligning with a more mobile and interconnected European landscape.
The economic integration of people with Italian heritage also reveals areas of both success and potential challenge. While constituting only 0.9% of the total working population over 15, their overrepresentation in sectors like gastronomy (3.6%), food preparation (2.4%), cleaning services (2.1%) and metalworking (2.1%) points towards a concentration in lower-skilled and often precarious employment. This raises critical questions regarding equitable access to opportunities and potential socioeconomic disparities.
A noticeable gender imbalance exists within the Italian diaspora, with significantly more men (59%) residing in Germany compared to women (41%). The comparatively low rate of German citizenship, with only 15% holding German passports overall, reveals a continuing process of integration, particularly when compared to the 27% of those born in Germany who “are” German citizens. This raises political considerations surrounding dual citizenship, naturalization policies and the long-term integration of this significant demographic within Germany’s social fabric. The data underscores a need for continued efforts toward inclusivity and a more equitable distribution of opportunities for people of Italian descent, fostering a stronger sense of belonging within German society.
The geographical distribution exhibits a concentration in Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria, mirroring historical settlement patterns driven by industrial centers.
