Tech workers now move from US to Europe, reversing decades of brain drain
More technology workers are relocating from the United States to Europe than the reverse for the first time, according to new workforce data, marking a shift in migration patterns driven by immigration uncertainty and quality-of-life concerns.
Germany and the Netherlands saw the sharpest growth in AI researchers and engineers last year. Germany's AI workforce grew 65% to more than 17,000 people, while the Netherlands jumped 87%, according to a report from Interface, a Berlin-based technology think tank. Italy added 117%, Spain 38%, and Sweden 28%.
France bucked the trend, losing 45% of its AI research and engineering workforce. Poland shed 9%.
What's driving the shift
The reversal reflects broader concerns about the US immigration environment under the Trump administration. Workers are seeking internal transfers from American offices to European ones, researchers said.
"I think a lot of people are looking at how quickly things are changing with the immigration market in the US," said Catherine Schneider, co-author of the Interface report.
The factors extend beyond politics. Quality of life, safety concerns for people of different identities, and post-pandemic tech sector layoffs also influence decisions, Schneider said.
The US could see further talent outflows. A $100,000 surcharge for H-1B skilled worker visas-including amendments and extensions-announced in September 2025 has not yet been fully reflected in migration data.
Amsterdam emerges as an AI hub
Amsterdam now ranks second globally for per capita concentration of AI researchers and engineers, behind San Francisco and Seattle. The Netherlands' appeal grew as Paris, which led Europe's AI scene in 2024, lost competitiveness.
Long-term talent visas issued in France dropped 7.9% in 2025. Companies are hiring less across the board, whether due to economic factors or internal hiring preferences, Schneider said.
India, a major source of tech talent, increasingly views Europe as competitive with the US. The EU's free trade agreement with India in January included streamlined visa applications for Indian workers, strengthening Europe's appeal.
Gender imbalance persists
The AI industry's gender gap is not narrowing despite workforce growth. Across the EU, women make up just 20.9% of AI researchers and engineers. In Germany, the proportion fell to 19.3% in 2025.
Long working hours and undefined schedules disadvantage women who shoulder more childcare responsibilities. Even without family obligations, women face exclusion from decision-making and networking in some firms due to "boys club" atmospheres, researchers found.
The data comes from public sources and LinkedIn profiles, so methodology variations may account for some fluctuations. However, the decline in French talent mirrors other datasets, including visa issuance figures.
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