Foreign skilled workers in Germany: employment

Foreign skilled workers play an important role in the German labor market and make a significant contribution to the country's economy and society. There are many reasons why Germany employs skilled workers from abroad. And both employers and employees benefit from this. Most of the time there is an urgent need on the part of the employer to fill gaps in certain industries or sectors.

Employing foreign workers brings with it economic profitability, diversity and innovation. On the other hand, working abroad brings numerous advantages for employees. These include the opportunity for personal and professional development, the chance to acquire new skills, economic opportunities and cultural growth. However, there are also challenges on both sides! These complex immigration and visa processes are a challenge for foreign skilled workers and employers. For foreign skilled workers, there are also language and cultural barriers and social adjustments. We will consider them separately below.

Important aspects of employing foreign skilled workers in Germany:

1. Visa and residence permits: foreign skilled workers usually need a corresponding work permit and residence permit in order to be able to work in Germany. There are different types of visas, depending on whether the skilled worker wants to work in Germany on a temporary or permanent basis.
2. Blue Card: the Blue Card is a special residence document for highly qualified specialists from non-EU countries. To obtain a Blue Card, applicants must meet certain criteria, such as an academic degree and a minimum income.
3. Skilled Immigration Act: in March 2020, the Skilled Immigration Act was introduced in Germany to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers from non-EU countries. This law aims to open the labor market to skilled workers from abroad and combat the shortage of qualified workers in some sectors.
4. Integration and the labor market: the integration of foreign skilled workers into the German labor market is an important aspect. This includes language courses, professional recognition of qualifications acquired abroad and support programs for integration into the labor market.
5. Industry-specific needs: the demand for foreign skilled workers varies depending on the industry. Some industries, such as IT or healthcare, are particularly open to foreign skilled workers to meet the need for skilled workers.

Immigration and visa procedures for foreign skilled workers

During the complex immigration and visa processes, foreign skilled workers must meet a number of requirements for German companies. These requirements are intended to ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws. Requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances and type of visa. Here are the most common of them:

Immigration and visa procedures for foreign skilled workers

Immigration and visa procedures for foreign skilled workers

Health insurance is also important to be able to live and work in Germany. Proof of financial resources, proof of a certain income or financial support from an employer is required. Registration for the stay is required upon arrival. The foreign skilled worker must register his residence with the local authorities in Germany. This is a mandatory step!

Language barriers as a challenge for foreign skilled workers

Overcoming language barriers among foreign professionals is essential for effective communication and collaboration. Language requirements often include proof of language skills that are relevant to the position. Sometimes it is necessary to take additional language courses to improve professional communication.

Cultural adjustments for foreign skilled workers

For foreign workers, adapting to the new work culture means understanding local customs, professional norms and business etiquette. Adapting to these is an essential part of a successful integration process.

From which countries do foreign skilled workers come to Germany?

Foreign skilled workers come to Germany from a variety of countries, and the countries of origin can vary depending on the industry, labor market conditions and other factors. However, some of the most important countries of origin for foreign skilled workers in Germany are:

1. EU countries: many skilled workers come to Germany, particularly from countries such as Poland, Romania, Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria, as they have the right to work in Germany due to the EU freedom of movement regulations.
2. Third countries: skilled workers from countries outside the EU also come to Germany. These include, for example, India, China, Turkey, Russia and the United States. These specialists often come as part of special specialist programs, employment contracts or for further professional training.
3. Asylum seekers and refugees: some foreign skilled workers come to Germany as asylum seekers or refugees and are looking for protection from persecution and better living and working conditions.

Do you need help recruiting foreign skilled workers?

We recruit skilled workers from abroad for companies in Germany

As an experienced personnel service provider, we recruit foreign skilled workers, especially for industries with a shortage of skilled workers or a high need for specialized workers. We play an intermediary role between companies that need workers and potential workers who can offer their services. Here are some steps and aspects that are taken into account when recruiting foreign skilled workers via Temporary Work International:

1. Needs analysis: they define their skilled workers needs and the requirements for the workers they are looking for, including qualifications, experience and other relevant criteria.
2. Selection of candidates: we are actively looking for suitable candidates on the national and international job market, including potential skilled workers from abroad.
3. Pre-qualification and screening: our experts conduct interviews, qualification assessments and background checks to ensure that potential candidates meet your company's needs.
4. Mediation and selection: we present your company with a selection of suitable candidates from abroad from which you can select the best specialists.
5. Support with formalities: we support both you as a company and the foreign skilled workers with all legal and administrative steps necessary for hiring and starting work, such as visa applications, work permits and relocation arrangements.
6. Aftercare: in addition, we usually also offer follow-up support to ensure that both the company and the professionals hired are satisfied and that any problems or difficulties in adapting are resolved.

We provide companies in Germany with personnel from Eastern Europe for trade, construction, industry, and solar technology , medicine, industrial assembly, Machine relocations, electrical engineering, automotive industry , Metal and steel construction, production and logistics. Our core competence includes welding, manufacturing of metal structures, assembly, construction and Maintenance of industrial facilities. In addition, we provide hard-working production assistants, assembly line workers, inspectors Etc.

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FAQ

How many foreign skilled workers are there in Germany?

There are a significant number of foreign skilled workers in Germany who make an important contribution to the economy and society. The exact number varies depending on the source and timing of the survey, as it is influenced by various factors such as labor market conditions, immigration policies and demographic trends.

However, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office and other sources, including the microcensus and labor market statistics, it can be noted that the number of foreign skilled workers in Germany has increased in recent years. These professionals come from different countries and work in a variety of industries including engineering, IT, healthcare, research, education and many more.

However, the exact number of foreign skilled workers cannot always be determined precisely due to different definitions and classifications. For example, some statistics only count employees, while others also include self-employed people and students. In addition, short-term stays, fixed-term contracts and seasonal workers can influence the total.

Despite these challenges, however, the data clearly shows that foreign skilled workers play an important role in the German labor market, helping to address skills shortages and promote innovation and competitiveness.

Who counts as a skilled worker in Germany?

In Germany there is no uniform definition of the term “skilled worker” as it can be interpreted differently depending on the context and industry. However, in general, the term refers to people who have specific knowledge, skills and qualifications in a particular area and are therefore able to carry out demanding tasks independently.

Typically, the term skilled workers includes people who have completed vocational training, a university degree or a comparable qualification in their field. This can include, for example, engineers, IT specialists, doctors, teachers, craftsmen, technicians, scientists, designers, nurses and many other professions.

How do I get skilled workers from abroad?

Recruiting skilled workers from abroad requires a strategic approach and can involve various steps. Here are some ways to attract skilled workers from abroad: International job advertisements and job portals, participation in job fairs and recruiting events abroad, cooperation with international recruiters and Agenciesetc.

Skilled immigration

What does the new skilled worker immigration law bring?

The new Skilled Immigration Act, which came into force in Germany on March 1, 2020, brings a number of changes and benefits to facilitate the immigration of qualified specialists and combat the shortage of skilled workers in various sectors.

1. Expanded access for professionals: the law expands access for skilled workers from third countries by simplifying entry and work permit procedures. This means that qualified specialists can come to Germany and work more quickly.
2. Career-oriented immigration: a central focus of the Skilled Immigration Act is on job-oriented immigration. People with recognized vocational training or a university degree now have a better chance of coming to Germany if they can show an employment contract or a job promise.
3. Recognition of foreign qualifications: the law makes it easier to recognize foreign professional degrees and qualifications. This means that skilled workers from abroad can work more quickly in their professional field in Germany without having to complete full training again.
4. Expedited visa procedures: there are now accelerated visa procedures specifically for qualified professionals. This shortens waiting times and enables skilled workers to come to Germany and start their professional activities more quickly.