Germany Requires 288,000 Skilled Foreign Workers Annually to Sustain Its Economy

Key Takeaways

1. Germany requires approximately 288,000 skilled workers annually to sustain its current workforce levels.
2. By 2040, this demand could exceed 300,000, with projections suggesting as many as 368,000 immigrant workers needed each year.
3. Cities like Hamburg and Berlin, with higher immigrant populations, are likely to experience less impact from future labour shortages.

A study conducted by the Bertelsmann Foundation highlights Germany’s growing reliance on skilled immigrant workers to maintain its economic stability. The report emphasizes that without a steady influx of 288,000 foreign workers each year, the workforce could shrink from 46.4 million to 41.9 million by 2040, severely impacting the country’s economy.

“The departure of the baby boomers from the labour market presents big challenges,”
– Susanne Schultz, Migration Expert, Bertelsmann Foundation

Urban Areas with High Immigration May Face Fewer Challenges

Hamburg and Berlin, cities with significant immigrant populations, are projected to be less affected by workforce reductions. In contrast, southern regions like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as North Rhine-Westphalia, may face more severe shortages.

Germany is actively improving living conditions and simplifying migration processes to attract more skilled foreign workers. However, welcoming these workers remains a challenge.

Immigrants Cite Poor Welcoming Culture in Germany

Many skilled immigrants have voiced dissatisfaction with Germany’s "welcoming culture," often citing racism and unequal treatment. A Syrian refugee who earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Germany shared his desire to relocate to Switzerland due to perceived discrimination:

“I gave my very best here to be treated as an equal, but I faced discrimination and rejection. I want equality, not charity,”
– Syrian IT Specialist

The study warns that if Germany fails to provide a more inclusive environment and clear prospects for long-term residency, it risks losing talented workers to other countries.

Immigration Statistics

According to Destatis, Germany’s statistics office, 12.2 million residents were born abroad, with significant numbers hailing from Europe (8.3 million), Asia (2.7 million), and Africa (647,665). These figures underscore the critical role immigrants play in Germany’s economic and demographic landscape.