Questions and answers on immigration
Would you like to live and work in Germany? What does the immigration process look like? Where can you get your qualifications recognised? Do you need a visa? Here is an overview of the most important questions and answers concerning immigration of skilled workers.
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Around 700 people of many different nationalities work at the Diamant Fahrradwerke bicycle factory in Hartmannsdorf in Saxony.
Photo: IMAGO/Sylvio Dittrich
Among other aspects, Germany relies on immigration of skilled workers from abroad to safeguard its prosperity and social systems. Experts say that around 400,000 people need to immigrate every year. The new Skilled Workers Immigration Act was drawn up to make it easier for such individuals to take up work and settle in Germany.
Information and support portals
Large numbers of people from the baby boomer generation will be retiring over the next few years. A lack of skilled workers can already be observed in many regions and industries. Around 1.98 million job vacancies were recorded in 2022, and an upward trend can be observed.
With its skilled workers strategy, the Federal Government is initially focusing on potential available in Germany: well-qualified career starters, a higher level of female employment and advanced training measures for preparing people for changes in the working world. However, immigration of skilled workers – both from EU and third states – will gain importance in the future. Interested individuals can seek information online while still in their home countries.
Here is an overview of answers to your questions about immigrating as a skilled worker.
If you would like to work in Germany, you can find information at www.make-it-in-germany.com. This information is available not only in German and English, but also in Spanish, French and many other languages.
There are also advisors that you can contact directly. They will help you to look and apply for jobs. They will also advise you on the living conditions in Germany.
Yes. You can do the Quick Check concerning training and employment options in Germany from your home country. This enables you to check your options for working and living in Germany.
There are advice centres for skilled workers and their families around the world. Are you a skilled worker and would like to live and work in Germany? Or would you like to study in Germany? If so, take a look at our world map: here you will find the contact details and services offered by German institutions in your country at a glance.
Vocational training in Germany is the ideal way to prepare for your career. Anyone wishing to do vocational training in Germany can find out about the requirements online.
Studying in Germany also opens up a wide range of opportunities. Experts help you organise the entire process – from applying for a place at university to obtaining a degree. On the Study in Germany blog international students talk about their experience of studying in Germany.
Would you like to work in Germany? In that case you may need a visa to enter the country. This depends on which country you are from. The information portal of the Federal Government concerning recognition of foreign professional qualifications will help here.
The skilled workers portal Make it in Germany is another source of information about the requirements for entering Germany. Here you will find a Quick Check that gives you a brief overview of your visa requirements.
Details of how and where you can get your professional qualifications recognised can be found on the recognition portal in English, Polish, Turkish and many other languages.
Germany’s biggest job portal can be found on the website of the Federal Employment Agency. Here you will find information in German as well as English. You can also register for online tutorials about topics such as the recognition procedure and living standards in Germany with the Federal Employment Agency.
The Tripplewin programme helps caregivers to prepare for life and work in Germany. This includes language classes and a dedicated four-day course about caregiving. The federal organisation also provides support throughout the recognition procedure for professional qualifications. Once you have arrived in Germany, it will help you settle in.
Arriving in Germany
Understanding how Germany works is essential in order to be able to get on with people. The Ankommen app is designed to help with this. It provides guidance for your preparations while you are still in your home country and throughout your first few weeks in Germany. The multi-lingual app helps immigrants to learn about the rules that apply in Germany and things they need to bear in mind.
The Federal Foreign Office can answer many more questions related to immigration of skilled workers. In addition to Make it in Germany, the Federal Ministry of Employment operates further information portals about the Federal Government’s skilled labour strategy. You can find more information about employment and social policies on our work and social support topic page.