The German economy lacks skilled workers: hundreds of thousands of jobs are unfilled. Since March 2020, the Skilled Immigration Act has therefore expanded the opportunities for workers from countries outside the EU to come to Germany. The clear message is that skilled workers are welcome to stay.
Who is considered a skilled worker?
Both academics with a university degree recognized in Germany and workers with qualified vocational training recognized in Germany.
What changed as a result of the law?
- Anyone who does not yet have a work contract but has a recognized qualified vocational training can get a residence permit for six months to find a job. During this time, job seekers can work up to ten hours a week on a trial basis or complete an internship. A good knowledge of German for the desired job is usually required, usually at B1 level.
- Previously, the Federal Employment Agency checked whether there were suitable applicants from Germany or the EU for a position before a company was allowed to hire a skilled worker from another country. This priority check was abolished with the Skilled Immigration Act.
- Search for a place to study or a training position: Graduates of German schools abroad are not only allowed to come to Germany to study, but also to look for a place to study or a training position.
- The immigration of skilled workers from non-EU countries is not limited to defined “shortage occupations”.
In which professions is there a shortage of skilled workers?
Well-trained employees are needed in almost all sectors.
For example, doctors and nurses, IT specialists, engineers and, as part of the expansion of renewable energies, specialists in heating construction and heat technology are being sought. Since the Corona pandemic, companies in the hotel and restaurant sector as well as the logistics industry have also been looking for staff.
Where can foreign skilled workers find information about working in Germany?
The multilingual portal make-it-in-germany.com brings together information about job searches, qualifications, language courses, visas, the world of work and everyday formalities. The portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de also provides information about the recognition of professional qualifications.
What additional measures should be taken in the future to combat the shortage of skilled workers?
As part of a new skilled labor strategy, the federal government wants to further modernize immigration law, among other things. For example, it plans to make it easier to recognize professional qualifications. Other pillars of the strategy are training and continuing education.
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