Looking for work in Europe? Germany might be a great option

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December 4, 2024

Looking for work in Europe? Germany might be a great option

A study by Bertelsmann Stiftung says Germany’s economy will need about 288,000 immigrants each year until 2040 to deal with its ageing population. Even if more women and older workers in Germany join the workforce, immigration will still be necessary. Without enough new workers, this number could rise to 368,000 immigrants annually to avoid a major drop in the workforce.

This creates a big opportunity for Indian workers. Currently, about 273,000 people of Indian origin (including expats and German citizens) live in Germany, making Indians the second-largest Asian community in the country after Afghans.

Germany Plans More Visas for Indian Professionals

In 2024, Germany plans to issue 200,000 professional visas to fight labour shortages, which is over 10% more than before. Out of these, 90,000 visas will go to Indian skilled workers, a huge increase from the current cap of 20,000.

During a visit to India, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “Germany is open for skilled workers.” He noted that many Indians already work in healthcare, IT, and nursing in Germany. Official data shows that 137,000 Indian professionals held skill

Cost of Living in Germany

If you’re considering moving to Germany, it’s important to know the cost of living. A report by University Living gives a breakdown:

 

Average monthly expenses: €1,235 (around ₹1 lakh).

Accommodation: 48.6% (€600).

Utilities: 38.5% (€475).

Transportation: 6.9% (€85).

Food, entertainment, and personal care: 6.1% (€75).

Depending on your lifestyle and the city, monthly costs can range between €920 and €1,550.

Why Immigration is Key for Germany

Germany faces a serious problem as its population ages, and many workers retire. Susanne Schultz, a migration expert at Bertelsmann Stiftung, explained that while encouraging locals and current immigrants to work more is important, immigration is essential to meet the demand for workers.

Regional Differences in Workforce Needs

Germany’s need for immigrants varies by state. States like Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saarland could see their workforce shrink by over 10% by 2040 without enough immigrants. Meanwhile, regions like Hamburg, Berlin, and Brandenburg will experience smaller declines, under 10%.

Some areas, like Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, Berlin, and Hamburg, will need even more workers due to growing economic demand. These regions are expected to see higher workforce needs than losses caused by population ageing.

If you’re a skilled worker looking for opportunities abroad, Germany’s growing demand for talent could be your next big step!

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