While absolute numbers vary, Frankfurt often leads in percentage of foreign residents, with around 25-30% without a German passport, making it Germany's most multicultural major city, closely followed by cities like Offenbach am Main (highest proportion overall, bordering Frankfurt) and other large cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, which host large numbers of international residents due to economic hubs.
As Figure 6 shows, the three city-states (Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg) receive disproportionally more refugees per square kilometer than the other German states and the nation as a whole. The differences are enormous: Berlin, for instance, hosts 64.5 times more refugees per square kilometer than Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The vast majority of immigrants are residing in the so-called old states of Germany. In 2022, there were 23.8 million people, 28.7 percent of the total population, who had a migration background.
Cultural Diversity: Over 190 nationalities live in Berlin, making it one of Europe's most multicultural cities.
Hamburg is loved by immigrants for its comfort, multicultural vibe and structured bureaucracy. Best for: Professionals, IT experts, families, students. Frankfurt is one of the easiest cities for foreigners to adapt to. Best for: Finance, aviation, IT, business professionals.
The Best Big Cities in Germany for Expats
Among U.S. cities with more than 200,000 residents, New York City has the greatest population of immigrants, with nearly 3 million foreign-born residents.
In the year 2025, Kassel is also in the city ranking of the SKL Happiness Atlas has been voted the happiest city in Germany. In 2025, the study again compared 40 major German cities with more than 200,000 inhabitants.
During the week resting periods are traditionally between 1pm and 3pm (“Mittagsruhe” = ”midday peace”) and between 10pm and 6am or 7am (“Nachtruhe” = “night sleep”). However, specific regulations on resting periods depend on the state you are living in. But keep in mind, Germans are quite direct.
Frankfurt is culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse, with half of its population, and a majority of its young people, having a migrant background. A quarter of the population consists of foreign nationals, including many expatriates.
Immigration was seen as the most important issue facing Germany in November 2025, selected by 24 percent of people as a problem that month. The Economy was seen by 22 percent of people in Germany as a major issue, and was the second most-common response in the most recent survey.
Although German society has never been hostile to immigrants, it is fair to say that Germans have not viewed their society as being open to immigration and that there has been a strong perception of alienation and cultural differences, especially toward some groups of immigrants.
In 2019, there were 5.3–5.6 million Muslims with a migrant background in Germany (6.4–6.7% of the population), in addition to Muslims who do not fit into that category. A similar survey in 2016 estimated a number of 4.4–4.7 million Muslims with a migrant background (5.4–5.7% of the population) at that time.
Berlin's Department for Social Affairs predicts that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the German capital will increase by 60 percent by 2029, unless something is done. The Senate estimates that there were just under 26.000 people experiencing homelessness in Berlin in 2022.
It is also noted that the cities of Berlin and Hamburg, which are also federal states, have the highest concentration of Ukrainians relative to the local population. In Berlin, this figure is 1.7%, in Hamburg - 1.6%. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern it is 1.5%.
Utica has always been a town of immigrants. In the 1800s and early 1900s Italians, Lebanese, Germans and Poles helped to establish it as an important hub in America's burgeoning northeast industrial heartland.
German supermarkets, as well as clothes shops, bookshops and pharmacies, are all closed on Sundays. Sunday is a “quiet day” in Germany, and a law adopted in 1950 prohibits shops from opening so people can enjoy recreational activities and time with family and friends.
Can I still take showers during quiet hours in Germany? Don't worry, of course, you can still do your everyday routines during quiet hours in Germany. You can flush the toilet, take a bath or shower at night as usual.
The concept of Ruhezeit originates from the Grundgesetz, or basic laws, of Germany, intertwined with the country's religious traditions. Historically, Germany was a deeply religious nation, and to facilitate church attendance, the government minimized work on Sundays.
Munich: No Bavarian hospitality for newcomers
The Bavarian capital received the lowest marks for local friendliness, with nearly half of respondents rating locals as unfriendly.
The 11 most beautiful old towns in Germany
Here are the top ten districts and municipalities with the highest density of income millionaires relative to population: Hochtaunuskreis / Bad Homburg: One income millionaire per 360 residents. Düsseldorf: 171 income millionaires per 100,000 residents. Munich: 164 income millionaires per 100,000 residents.
In the 2017–18 period, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney LGAs recorded the highest net overseas migration figures, highlighting these cities as key hubs for new arrivals.
Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and is the largest city, with an increasing number of immigrants in Canada all over the world. Toronto is the most preferred city for migrants from across the globe. This largest city provides opportunities in diverse industries ranging from Finance, technology.
United States: With over 50 million immigrants, the U.S. continues to be the top destination in the world.