According to the European Labour Authority (ELA), Germany has acknowledged that it is experiencing a labour shortage in over 70 professions and is extending its visa to foreign nationals with in-demand talents.

These shortages occur in a number of industries, such as IT, construction, healthcare, and transportation, suggesting that foreign nationals with in-demand talents are more likely to be granted work permits.

The top 15 professions in Germany that are experiencing shortages, per the ELA’s 2023 Report on Shortages and Surpluses, are:

Drivers of heavy vehicles, such as trucks, buses, lorries, and trams

Railway operators (experts in brakes, signals, and switches)

Operators of machines (for industries such as metal, plastic, rubber, and paper)

Electronic mechanics (in the industrial and manufacturing sectors)

Electricians

Fitters and Plumbers

Supervisors of Construction

Varnishers and painters (including spray painters and others in similar positions)

Masons and Bricklayers

Healthcare assistants, including support staff and nursing associates

Physiotherapists

Engineering technicians, especially those working in the electrical, civil, and electronics industries

Programmers of applications and software developers

Teachers of Young Children

Teachers in Primary Schools

In an effort to draw in highly qualified foreign labour, Germany has also lately loosened its immigration laws. German work permits are now available to skilled workers with recognised qualifications and at least two years of experience. This new strategy has also made it simpler to find family reunion possibilities. In order to help fill important positions, the EU Blue Card restrictions and those for recognised skilled workers have also been loosened.

Indians received the majority of the 2,500 Opportunity Cards that Germany has granted thus far.

Because it enables foreign citizens to get a visa specifically for the purpose of job seeking in Germany, the Opportunity Card, also known as the Chancenkarte, has attracted a lot of attention.

The Opportunity Card allows holders to look for work within Germany for up to a year, unlike regular work visas, which need an employment commitment before to arrival.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior reports that about 2,500 Opportunity Card visas have been granted since the program’s June start.

It is anticipated that this visa track will draw even more non-EU nationals who are keen to learn more about the German labour market.

With 780 visas awarded thus far, Indian citizens have received the most Opportunity Cards, followed by those from China, Turkey, and Pakistan.