Out of Sight, out of Mind? Frequency of Emigrants’ Contact with Friends in Germany and its Impact on Subjective Well-Being

Abstract Migration implies both benefits and costs. The latter include a possible breakdown of social networks, thus loss capital. Although there is some literature on the evolution family networks after migration, not as much known about friendship. This article assesses quality friendships between German emigrants their friends who stayed in Germany. In particular, it asks three research questions: (a) How does relationships with Germany differ from other migration? (b) friendship migration related to socio-demographic or socio-economic factors? And (c) link subjective well-being emigrants? Results indicate that measured frequency contact falls middle range frequency, typically have more partners children, but less relatives, compared close friends. Furthermore, several determinants (e.g. gender, age, length stay household constellation) can be identified correlations various aspects were found.