Residence regulation for refugees

Between 2015 and 2022, around 2.35 million refugees applied for asylum in Germany. In order to avoid overloading individual locations and promote integration, the so-called “residence regulation” was introduced in 2016: According to this, refugees must live in the first place they are assigned for three years.

Using data from the study “Living in Germany,” researchers have investigated the extent to which this regulation promotes the integration of refugees. The result: it does not work, ultimately hindering integration, particularly in the housing and labor market. In addition, it creates a high administrative burden for the responsible authorities.

Further information

Ludger Baba, Marco Schmandt, Constantin Tielkes, Felix Weinhardt & Katrin Wilbert: Wohnsitzregelung für Geflüchtete: kleine Wirkung, großer Aufwand. DIW Weekly Report 20/2024 (in German).

Der SPIEGEL: Wohnortzwang für Geflüchtete senkt Chancen auf Arbeit (für Abonnentinnen und Abonnenten).

All results in the overview