Racism and Discrimination in Germany: Support Resources for Expats of Colour

Have you ever felt overlooked in a Jobcenter queue or questioned more thoroughly at a border check? For expats of colour living in Germany, these aren't isolated incidents—they're part of a broader pattern of racism and discrimination that affects daily life. While Germany prides itself on integration, recent studies reveal persistent challenges, with over half of racially marked people facing everyday discrimination.Understanding your rights and knowing where to turn for support can make all the difference. This guide equips you with practical resources tailored for expats navigating these issues in 2026.

Understanding Racism and Discrimination in Germany

Racism in Germany manifests in subtle and overt ways, from everyday prejudice to institutional barriers. The National Discrimination and Racism Monitor (NaDiRa) reports that 54% of racially marked people experience discrimination at least once a month, compared to 32% of others. Black women (63%), Black men (62%), and Muslims (61%) are hit hardest by these subtle forms, often tied to skin colour, religion, or being seen as "not German".

Official statistics paint a stark picture: right-wing motivated crimes surged 23% in 2023 to 28,945 cases, with attacks on migrant housing rising sharply. Anti-Muslim hate violence jumped 114% that year, mirroring a 140% increase in registered anti-Islamic crimes. Antisemitic incidents also spiked 96% post-October 2023. These trends continue into 2026, fuelled by far-right narratives like "remigration" plans exposed in early 2024.

Everyday Experiences for Expats of Colour

• In public spaces: Black men (36%) and women (30%) report discrimination in restaurants, shops, and events more than average.
• At authorities: Muslim women (37%) and Black women (29%) face bias in public offices. Police encounters are particularly troubling, with 19% of Muslim men and 18% of Black men reporting negative experiences.
• Being "othered": Up to 55% of Asians and 51% of Muslims feel labelled as not German, leading to exclusion.

Expats from Asia, Africa, or the Middle East often share stories of racial profiling at train stations or airports, echoing broader concerns over police checks without reasonable suspicion.

Institutional Racism in German Authorities

The largest-ever study on racism in authorities, conducted by the Research Institute Social Cohesion (FGZ) for the Federal Ministry of the Interior, confirms institutional racism across bodies like Jobcenter, BAMF, health offices, customs, and police. Of 468 surveyed Muslims, 80% experienced discrimination in interactions with officials, yet only 17% reported it, doubting any outcome.

Notably, the Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (General Equal Treatment Act) doesn't cover citizen-authority relations, leaving victims without key legal recourse. In 2024, Germany appointed its first federal police commissioner for discrimination complaints, but independent mechanisms and mandatory ID badges remain lacking.

Your Legal Rights Against Discrimination

Germany's constitution (Grundgesetz Article 3) guarantees equality, banning racial discrimination. The Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) protects against bias in private sectors like jobs, housing, and services. For public authorities, while AGG gaps exist, you can file complaints via Ombudsstellen or courts.

In 2026, the "security package" from 2024 has expanded police powers, raising racial profiling risks for expats. Expats should document incidents with dates, times, and witnesses—crucial for claims.