Attractive prospects – working in Germany
Good career opportunities, a low unemployment rate and simplified residence conditions – the German labour market is highly attractive for qualified foreign professionals and opens up first-class opportunities.
Germany is one of the most popular countries in the world for immigrants. Indeed, in 2013 1.23 million people moved to Germany permanently, according to the 2013 German federal government Migration Report. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that Germany is in fact the second most popular country of immigration after the USA. Particularly for highly qualified professionals the country at the heart of Europe is becoming ever more attractive: Quality of life is high, career opportunities are great and the economic situation is stable. Germany also benefits from well-trained specialists. Indeed, because total population is falling, highly qualified experts are currently in great demand. As such, skilled international professionals have very promising prospects in Germany.
Stable labour market
The German labour market has developed well in recent years. On a European comparison, salaries are good and unemployment is at a very low level. Numerous support programmes and the 2012 Federal Recognition Act, which simplifies procedures for assessing foreign professional qualifications, help to get more immigrants into qualified positions.
Strong sectors, sought-after professionals
In certain areas such as the healthcare sector and in many technical professions people with corresponding professional training and academics are particularly sought-after. Here German companies are increasingly recruiting international specialists. According to a study by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag, DIHK) every fifth German company seeks qualified staff members from abroad – this proportion has almost doubled within three years.
Simplified residence conditions
The simplified residence regulations also have a role to play in the fact that Germany is attracting ever more foreign professionals. As a rule citizens of the European Union have unrestricted access to the German labour market. Highly qualified citizens of other countries can also work in Germany under simplified conditions: In 2012 the European Union launched the “EU Blue Card”, which gives academics from so-called third countries easier access to the German labour market. In addition to the “EU Blue Card”, there are special provisions for researchers, teachers and managers.
This text comes from the "Career Compass Germany". The app can be downloaded for free onto smartphones, tablets and BlackBerrys via Google Play, iTunes and the Amazon Appstore. More information:
www.deutschland.de/en/topic/knowledge/education-learning/career-compass-app
