According to the record 419,000 foreigners having temporary work licenses at the end of 2023, Germany has emerged as a draw for talent from around the world. In 2007, the number of foreign workers authorized to work in the nation was just 76,800. This was a huge increase.
The number of workers outside the European Union (EU) has increased since 2010, particularly in 2022 and 2023, according to data from the German Federal Statistics Office, Destatis. This trend has continued despite the pandemic.
The foreign labor force is dominated by skilled workers and EU Blue Card holders.
A sizable portion of international employees in Germany possess EU Blue Cards. Over a quarter of all foreign workers or 113,000 people, held one by the end of 2023. For highly qualified non-EU workers with university degrees and minimum income employment offers, the EU Blue Card is administered.
The top nations from which these Blue Card holders are hailing are Turkey, Russia, and India. Germany awarded several licenses to skilled workers in 2023 in addition to Blue Card holders.
Roughly 49,000 highly qualified individuals with college degrees held work permits by the end of the year. The number of workers from the Western Balkans increased by 22% as well; Kosovo accounted for the greatest share of these workers.
Additional Read: Germany’s Growth Halted by Lack of Workers
Germany is the sixth most popular country in the world for international labor.
Germany ranks fifth in popularity among countries where international workers wish to go, per a new study conducted by The Network, Stepstone, and the Boston Consulting Group. After the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the nation came in fifth. Germany is the nation most unlike others, where English is not the primary language. For overseas workers, Berlin, the capital, ranks sixth on their list of preferred cities.
The research highlights that international workers are mostly drawn to a specific nation or area by appealing job possibilities and a robust job market. Concerns about the healthcare system were less important to 74% of respondents, who chose Germany primarily because of the country’s high job quality. The expectation among employees—roughly 77%—is that their companies will assist them in moving and obtaining work permits, as well as with the immigration procedure.
Germany will introduce an opportunity card for job searchers with skills.
A new “opportunity card” will be implemented in June 2024 to facilitate skilled workers’ entry into Germany. Without requiring a firm employment offer, this card will enable eligible job searchers to remain in Germany and continue their job hunt.
Candidates for this card who meet the requirements for “skilled workers” and foreign nationals with recognized qualifications are exempt from further requirements. Additional requirements for other applicants include documentation of a two-year minimum vocational training program or a foreign university degree, as well as a basic level A1 or B2 CEFR proficiency in German or English.
Points will be awarded according to proficiency in the language, age, employment history, and ties to Germany, among other criteria. Candidates can obtain the opportunity card by earning at least six points.
In Germany, cardholders can sustain themselves using this card, which has a one-year validity period. Part-time work up to 20 hours per week and job trials are permitted. It is possible to extend the opportunity card for an additional two years if the cardholder obtains a qualifying job but is unable to obtain a new residence permit.
Additional Read: Germany Facing Growing Labor Shortage in Numerous Professions
Germany’s promising future as a center of global talent
With a record number of work permits given in 2023 and a ranking as the fifth most popular country for worldwide talent, Germany is clearly a desirable destination for foreign workers. Professionals wishing to establish a career in Germany will find the process much more streamlined with the introduction of the opportunity card in June 2024.
Given its continued attempts to attract talent from across the globe, Germany is probably going to continue to be a top destination for international employees in the years to come.
Germany is quickly becoming a top destination for foreign workers, thanks to its robust economy, excellent work-life balance, and diverse opportunities. If you are considering making the move, Dynamic Staffing Services is here to assist you every step of the way.
With our extensive experience and comprehensive support, we make the relocation process seamless and stress-free. From securing a job to navigating the visa process, we’ve got you covered. Leap and start your journey to a rewarding career in Germany today. Contact us now at enquiry@dss-hr.com or +91-11-40410000 to get started!
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