Ukrainians in Germany: Almost 60% want to stay permanently!

Ukrainians in Germany: Almost 60% want to stay permanently!

A current study by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) shows that almost 60% of Ukrainian refugees in Germany want to emigrate in the long term. This raises an interesting question: What keeps people here and what factors influence their decision to stay permanently? According to the results, 49% of adults and 34% of children and young people intend to live in the Federal Republic “forever”. These figures illustrate the ongoing impact of the Ukraine conflict.

An interesting aspect is the connection between knowledge of German and the prospect of staying. The study shows that refugees are more willing to stay in Germany if they have sufficient language skills and have been able to make social contacts. According to the latest figures, the German language skills of Ukrainian children and young people have improved significantly. In 2022, 92% of them rated their knowledge as “not at all” or “fairly bad”, but by 2025 this proportion had fallen to just 13%.

Language competence as the key to integration

The language skills of young people also have an impact on those of their parents. While 48% of children and young people now rate their language skills as good to very good, the number for adults is much lower at just 8%. This dynamic shows that good access to education and a sense of belonging to a community are crucial when it comes to integrating. However, Ukrainian children's sense of belonging in the German school system is below average: only 63% really feel like they belong.

A look at the employment of refugees is striking: the employment rate of Ukrainians aged 20 to 50 rose from 18% in autumn 2022 to an impressive 53% by early summer 2025. There will be a strong increase here, especially in 2024. It also becomes clear that those who fled earlier tend to have better qualifications: 62% had a tertiary educational qualification when they entered the country, compared to only 54% when they entered the country later. This situation suggests that integration also depends on the tasks of society that offer newcomers the opportunity to use and develop their skills.

Social aspects of migration

But it's not just education and employment that play a role. The social environment also has a major influence on the feeling of integration. Around 1.2 million Ukrainians currently live in Germany, and among them there is a remarkable study on the relationship dynamics. 24% of Ukrainian women came to Germany together with their partner, while 31% came alone and 45% came single. Meanwhile, 29% of couples who fled together have split up, which is particularly more likely for unmarried couples. Women who pursue a long-term perspective in Germany are more likely to separate from their partners in their home country.

The current reporting on the living situations of the refugees also shows how their health status compares to the German population: On average, the health status is at the same level as in Germany, with a value of 3.5 points on a scale of 1 to 5. This is another sign that the Ukrainian refugees generally represent a younger, better-educated group, with 60% having a tertiary level of education.

Overall, it can be said that the integration of Ukrainian refugees in Germany is influenced by many different factors, both linguistic and social. This means that the topic remains relevant and exciting for society, especially with regard to the challenges and opportunities that arise from a long-term settlement of Ukrainians in Germany. You can read more information about the study in a detailed article on the Welt website: Welt.de.