Germany allows workers in certain shortage or “bottleneck” occupations to be employed and relocated more easily. If your profession is facing a talent shortage, you may qualify.
The Bottleneck Occupations List
The list is updated regularly and typically includes:
- Healthcare roles like nurses, doctors, elderly caregivers
- Skilled trades like welders, electricians, mechanics
- Technology experts like programmers and IT specialists
- Engineers across disciplines
- Construction jobs like bricklaying and equipment operation
- Hospitality staff including chefs and hotel workers
- Transportation operators
A full list of the German bottleneck professions can be found here.
Relocating: Step-by-Step
If interested in relocating, follow these key steps:
- Confirm your occupation is on Germany’s current bottleneck list
- Search job listings on German sites and directly on company websites
- Highlight relevant skills and experience in German-style CV
- Interview successfully for positions as an international candidate
- Obtain visa and finalize relocation requirements
Advantages Germany offers:
- Strong economy with career development incentives
- Leading infrastructure, technology, and innovation
- High wages in many occupations
- Established support for skilled immigrant integration
While visas are simplified in bottleneck fields, fully assimilating still takes openness and patience.
In the end, Germany’s talent gaps present unique overseas opportunities in essential occupations. The bottleneck list aims to fill pressing skills shortages efficiently—something that stands to mutually benefit determined candidates and the country.