Top 25 In-Demand Professions in Germany for 2024: Complete List

Key Points:

• A recent report indicates that Germany is experiencing a worker shortage in over 70 occupations nationwide.
• Industries such as transportation, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, engineering, and IT are among those most affected by the shortages.
• In response, Germany has relaxed certain immigration regulations, with additional measures expected to be implemented soon.

Germany Faces Shortages in Over 70 Occupations, Reports ELA

Germany is experiencing worker shortages in more than 70 occupations, according to a recent report by the European Labour Authority (ELA). Sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, engineering, and IT are particularly affected, as noted by SchengenNews.

This shortage means that foreigners seeking employment in Germany may have a better chance of obtaining a work visa if they qualify for these in-demand roles.

ELA’s 2023 Report on Shortages and Surpluses highlights the following occupations facing shortages in Germany:

- Drivers (heavy truck, lorry, bus, tram, locomotive engine)
- Railway, brake, signal, and switch operators
- Machine operators (paper, rubber, plastic, metal, chemical, mineral, etc.)
- Cabinet makers and related workers
- Food preparers (bakers, pastry cooks, butchers, fishmongers, etc.)
- Electronic mechanics
- Electricians
- Plumbers and fitters
- Construction supervisors
- Spray painters and varnishers
- Bricklayers and related workers
- Forestry and related workers
- Firefighters
- Clerks (personnel, transport, accounting, and bookkeeping)
- Dental assistants and therapists
- Nursing associate professionals
- Medical technicians
- Physiotherapists
- Engineering technicians (electronic, electrical, and civil engineering)
- Applications programmers
- Software developers
- System analysts
- Early childhood educators
- Primary school teachers
- Audiologists and speech therapists

**Germany Eases Immigration Rules for Skilled Workers**

Germany does not require a work visa for citizens of the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the US. However, other nationalities must obtain a visa and residence permit to work in Germany.

To address job shortages, Germany has recently relaxed immigration rules for skilled workers. Under the new law, foreigners with at least two years of experience in their field and a professional or university degree recognized by their country of origin are eligible to work in Germany. The new regulations also include several facilitations for family reunions and other provisions.

Previously, Germany eased requirements for the EU Blue Card and recognized skilled workers.

Germany to Issue 50,000 Work Visas Annually for Western Balkans Starting June 1

In addition to the above measures, Germany has announced further steps to combat labor shortages. Starting June 1, 2024, citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia will have increased access to the German labor market. The number of annual work visas issued under the Western Balkans Regulation will double to 50,000.

As of the end of 2023, 76,000 nationals from these six countries held work permits in Germany, marking a 22 percent increase compared to 2022, according to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). With the new regulation taking effect on June 1, the number of workers under the Western Balkans Regulation is expected to rise further.