Want to work in Germany? These professions are in high demand
Like many countries in Europe, Germany is currently facing a shortage of skilled workers. As a result, unfilled job vacancies are on the rise and the government is looking at ways to attract more skilled labour from overseas into the country.
Due to ageing and shrinking populations in many EU countries, job vacancies that would usually be filled by European workers are facing a lack of suitably qualified candidates. For this reason, the government is in the process of overhauling its immigration rules to make it easier for third country nationals to work in Germany.
Although the reforms are not aimed at any specific sectors, there are certain professions that the German government has highlighted on its website as being particularly in demand. Third country nationals looking to work in Germany may therefore enjoy greater opportunities and have a higher chance of securing a work permit if they are qualified to work in any of these occupations.
Sectors facing skills shortages
Germany’s skills shortages are most pronounced in the sciences, engineering and healthcare sectors. However, it is important to note that the skills gaps occurring in these sectors strongly depend on the level of qualification. Highly skilled professionals who can demonstrate that they hold certain qualifications may therefore be more in demand than lower skilled or entry level professionals.
Germany categorises workers into the following three groups:
- Skilled or Qualified Professionals are people who have completed at least two years of vocational training or a comparable qualification.
- Specialists are workers with a master craftsperson’s or technician’s training, or who have a university degree or similar qualification.
- Experts are people who have completed at least four years of university study or equivalent qualification.
Top professions in demand
According to the government’s ‘Make it in Germany’ website, the following professions are highlighted as in demand:
- Nursing professionals
- Physicians
- Engineers
- IT specialists
- Scientists
- Craftspeople
- “Green Jobs”
The online ‘Quick Check’ tool allows you to find out more about the opportunities available to you for working and living in Germany.
Removing barriers for skilled migrant workers
In a bid to attract these highly desired professionals who wish to bring their skills to Germany, the government is set to modernise its immigration laws and remove some of the red tape that has previously made it more challenging for third country nationals to access the German labour market. Some of the reforms currently being considered include:
- Introduction of a new “opportunity card” for individuals who do not have a job offer but have the potential to find work in Germany.
- Changes to the EU Blue Card to make it more accessible to specialists with a university degree.
- Simplifying the recognition of professional qualifications.
- Introduction of a new nationality law that would lift the ban on dual citizenship for people from non-EU countries and make it easier for foreign nationals to gain German citizenship.
Introducing SSW in Germany
As a result of continued growth and development, Smith Stone Walters is delighted to announce that we are expanding our international reach and opening a new operation in Germany. With over 30 years’ experience in German immigration, we are well placed to locally facilitate all German inbound immigration work with the highest level of service.
Although we cannot help you find a job in Germany, our team of immigration experts based in Frankfurt are on hand to support you and your employer in navigating the visa and entry requirements once you have secured a job offer.
To find out more about the services we can offer, please call 0208 461 6660 or email info@smithstonewalters.com.
Disclaimer: In accordance with the German law governing legal advice and services (RDG, section 2 subsection 1) our services do not include any legal advice.
