Moving to Germany will be easier if you can fill one of these skills gaps

To woo skilled foreign workers, Germany is simplifying its immigration system.

As a result of a growing labour shortage, the country is “on the lookout for people who fancy coming to Germany to bring in their skills, expertise and passions,” says economics and climate minister, Robert Habeck.

Plans for a new points-based visa system could make it easier for skilled workers to relocate to the country.

But which professions are they hoping to attract?

At a skilled labour summit this month, the German government emphasised that academic and vocational training were of equal importance.

Appealing specifically to skilled craftspeople, electrical engineers, IT specialists, carers, nurses, catering and hospitality professionals in an address on the government’s ‘Make it in Germany’ YouTube channel, Habeck adds, “We welcome people from all over the world”.

Other in-demand occupations listed on the government website include physicians and scientists. A shortage of metallurgy workers and builders has previously been reported.

In November 2021, Germany announced plans to allow dual nationality for non-EU citizens for the first time. Previously, this was only permitted under very specific circumstances.

It also pledged to simplify the application process and hinted at reducing the amount of time someone has to live in Germany before applying for citizenship.

The move is part of Germany's plan to modernise immigration laws and remove bureaucratic hurdles to ensure easier access to the German labour market.

The removal of red tape isn’t Germany’s only attraction. Habeck highlights the country’s good working conditions, high pay, training opportunities, high quality of life, affordable education and democratic leadership as reasons to consider