The discussion on new migration from Italy to Germany from the German point of view is focused on the skills shortage of the labour market which is moderated by a large num- ber of migrants from EU-countries, especially a growing number of workers from GIPS (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain). From Italy's point of view, the prior focus lies on the so-called Brain Drain (‘fuga dei cervelli’). Most of the Italian labour migrants in Germany recruited between 1955 and 1973 circulated or returned (90% return rate). Is the new migration from Italy to Germany simi- lar to that of the second half of the 20th century, implying a process of chain migration and cir- cular migration? The new migration flow from Italy to Germany is analysed in official statistics, with special attention to gender and age of migrants. Migration and integration policy together with results of survey studies on Italian migrants complete the description of the situation. Case studies show the example of migration to Bavarian boom towns.