If you are seeking information on how to find work in Germany, you have come to the right place and at the right time. Germany is with a labour force of 45 million, including 3.3 million foreign employees, and with 1.2 million job vacancies the largest job market in Europe and one that is among the most open to foreign job seekers. To sustain the growth of the German economy the country needs foreign specialists of certain professions. In addition, due to ageing of the population and retirement of the “baby boomer” generation Germany is hiring thousands of healthcare specialists and other skilled personnel from foreign countries. For foreigners with specific in-demand qualifications finding a well-paid job in Germany is now more real than ever.

German Economy and Employment

Germany is the largest European economy and the fourth largest economy in the world, accounting for 5.4% of the global GDP. The growth of the Germany’s technology-driven economy largely depends on exports as Germany is the world’s third biggest exporter, having the largest nominal trade surplus in the world. The total German labour force is about 45 million while the unemployment rate is extremely low at 4.2%. There is virtually no unemployment in large German cities. The only regions affected by unemployment are the rural areas, mainly in the north-east. Hence, it is not surprising that Germany is also one of the world’s largest importers of foreign workforce as 3.3 million foreigners already work in Germany.

The German Job Market for Foreigners

The German job market currently has 1.2 million job vacancies. This alone presents tremendous work opportunities for foreigners. Yet, due to the large size, stable growth and undergoing structural changes in the German economy, hundreds of thousands of new jobs are created each year. The German labour market lacks skilled professionals in several important areas and German government and employers are welcoming foreigners to fill this gap. Moreover, Germany is known for its aging population. It is estimated that by 2025 more than four million Germans will retire. This will create further opportunities for foreigners wishing to live and work in Germany.

To be continued...