More than half of Indians are either exploring or actively preparing to migrate abroad in 2025, driven primarily by financial and career ambitions, according to a recent survey by TERN Group.
The findings are based on TERN Group’s Year-Ender Migration Barometer, which surveyed 8,000 respondents across India. The survey indicates that 52% of respondents are considering international migration next year, pointing to a strong India-to-world migration wave. Around 52% said they had changed their preferred destination over time, while 43% expressed a clear preference for international opportunities, citing perceived advantages in global career mobility.
Financial growth emerged as the single biggest driver of migration, with 46% of respondents identifying it as their primary motivation. Career growth followed at 34%. Personal aspirations and global exposure ranked lower, at 9% and 4% respectively, suggesting that economic outcomes, rather than lifestyle considerations, are shaping current migration trends.
Germany has emerged as the most preferred destination, attracting 43% of respondents. The UK followed at 17%, Japan at 9%, and the US at 4%. The shift towards European and Asian destinations reflects rising demand for Indian talent, acknowledged by 57% of respondents, as well as the appeal of more structured migration pathways in these regions.
Despite strong intent, several barriers persist. Language requirements were cited as the biggest challenge by 44% of respondents, with 36% saying they were stuck at the language-learning stage. Trust issues with traditional agent-led recruitment models also remain significant. Nearly 48% reported having personally experienced unethical recruitment practices, while 15% said they were aware of such practices through peers. Other challenges included lack of guidance (33%), high costs (14%), and long timelines (10%).
Zero-fee recruitment has become a key expectation, with 57% of respondents describing it as “extremely important.” Another 43% said that while they are willing to pay fees, the financial burden is stressful. Additionally, 44% expressed the need for structured language training, and 23% sought free or transparent recruitment pathways, indicating a preference for guided and accountable systems over fragmented models.
Commenting on the findings, Avinav Nigam, Founder and CEO of TERN Group, said the survey highlights a gap between talent readiness and systemic support. He noted that transparent guidance, zero-fee recruitment, and structured language training are becoming essential components of global mobility infrastructure.
The survey also points to wide variation in visa processing timelines. About 26% of respondents reported receiving visas in under three months, while 30% said the process took three to six months. However, 18% waited between six and twelve months, and 13% reported waiting for more than a year.
As migration aspirations intensify and global demand for Indian talent grows, the survey suggests that 2026 could see a shift towards more structured and transparent mobility models designed to better support India’s expanding pool of globally mobile professionals.
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