There are excellent opportunities for well-trained, qualified professionals in the German labour market. The most sought-after jobs and valuable tips for foreign applicants.
The Germany economy is booming and certain sectors are in particular on the look-out for staff. From 2012 until 2017 alone, the number of people in gainful employment rose by 2.88 million to 32.16 million – a record.
THE TEN MOST FREQUENTLY SOUGHT JOBS IN GERMANY:
- Software developer and programmer
- Electronics engineer, electrician
- Healthcare worker and nurse
- IT consultant, IT analyst
- Economist, business administrator
- Account manager, client consultant
- Production assistant
- Sales representative, sales assistant
- Sales manager, product manager
- Architect, structural engineer
Source: DEKRA Akademie 2018
The Federal government is planning a specific Immigration Act for foreign qualified professionals. It will make it easier for international applicants to look for a job in Germany. That said, qualified applicants from abroad already have good chances of finding a well-paid position in Germany.
THESE SECTORS AND PROFESSIONS OFFER QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS THE BEST PROSPECTS:
Medicine
There is a shortfall of around 5,000 doctors in German hospitals and medical practices. As of 2012, anyone with a foreign degree in Medicine can receive a licence to practice in Germany. This applies to candidates from EU Member States and from non-European countries. The relevant degree must be recognized as being equivalent to a German medical qualification.
Engineering professions
For engineers, particularly popular specialist fields are mechanical and automotive engineering, electrical engineering, structural engineering, computer science, and telecommunications.
MINT - Mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, and technology
Graduates in MINT subjects have excellent opportunities in private companies, but the major research institutes attached to the Max Planck Society and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft also offer attractive jobs.
Qualified professionals
Applicants with a vocational qualification have good job opportunities in Germany. This also applies to candidates from countries that are not European Union member states, provided they meet the following requirements: In the profession
- there must be a shortage of qualified professionals,
- the person must have a firm job offer, and
- the qualification must be equivalent to that in Germany.
At the moment qualified professionals in the care industry – in senior citizens’ homes and hospitals are in particularly great demand.