Filling Job Openings with Foreign Workers – Here's How

What is the situation regarding access to the labor market in Germany for foreign workers?

The principle of free movement applies to foreign nationals from the European Economic Area. This allows them to live and work in Germany. For foreign nationals who are not from the European Economic Area, however, additional requirements apply. These include a residence permit for Germany and a work permit.

The German Employment Regulation specifies who is permitted to work in this country. The work permit required for this can be applied for at the German diplomatic mission abroad—that is, the embassy or consulate of the applicant’s country of origin.

Access to the labor market is restricted, but it has since been made significantly easier in order to address the shortage of skilled workers. Accordingly:

• For Unskilled or Low-Skilled Workers Access to the German labor market is limited.
• For College graduates with a recognized college degree There is the „EU Blue Card." To obtain it, you must provide proof of your qualifications and the job offer. The gross salary must be at least 58,400 euros per year. This allows you to begin employment without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
• For Professionals in computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, and technology There is also the „EU Blue Card"—which requires a minimum annual salary of 45,552 euros. In this case, the Federal Employment Agency must approve the employment.
• Scientists, highly skilled workers, managers, specialists, and executives are subject to simplified rules governing access to the labor market.
• Foreign nationals with professional qualifications in a field with a labor shortage may gain access to the labor market without undergoing a priority review if they hold an equivalent qualification (comparable to a domestic degree). The recognition of such qualifications is governed by the Recognition Act.

What are the requirements for a visa with a work permit for foreign skilled workers?

Foreign nationals who are not from Europe need a visa to work in a skilled position in Germany. This visa is subject to the following requirements:

• One Qualification, which is comparable to a German educational qualification or can be recognized in Germany.
• One License to Practice, if it is a regulated profession—this applies to occupations in healthcare, education, and the legal field, as well as certain technical professions such as structural engineers and engineers.
• A specific job offer from an employer in Germany. The recognized qualification must enable the employee to perform this specific job—or a related occupation.
• For Employees over 45 years The following also applies: The gross salary must be at least 48,180 euros per year—or, alternatively, proof of an adequate retirement plan must be provided.

What opportunities does the visa or residence permit offer?

The competent authority grants the visa or residence permit for four years. If the employment contract is for a shorter period, the authority limits the validity of the visa or residence permit to the shorter contract term.

Anyone who has used the visa for four years can apply for a Residence Permit receive a permanent residence permit. This also allows them to bring their family to Germany. For many foreign skilled workers, this is a key incentive: Those who wish to live in Germany permanently have real prospects after four years of employment.

Is it possible to speed up the entry process?

There are two ways to expedite the entry process: through the Skilled Worker Program and through an intra-company transfer.

The Expedited Skilled Worker Process

The Skilled Worker Procedure allows employers to apply for expedited visa issuance for skilled workers. A fee of 411 euros applies. The procedure also speeds up the recognition of foreign qualifications. Employers who regularly hire foreign skilled workers can use this to significantly shorten the entire process—from the recognition of the degree to entry into the country.

Internal transfers

In the case of an intra-company transfer, the employer transfers an employee who is already employed from the home country to the subsidiary in Germany. If the employer is based in Germany, the competent authority issues a residence and work permit for a limited period. This model is particularly suitable for corporate groups and internationally operating companies that already employ staff in subsidiaries in third countries.

How can we attract foreign production workers?

Those who wish to specifically recruit foreign workers have various options for ensuring the success of this endeavor.

1. Employer Branding for International Audiences

It starts with employer branding: The employer positions its company as a brand with a view to hiring foreign employees. This is always recommended when a large number of workers is needed. To be attractive to potential employees, the company must present itself accordingly—the focus here is not on what would appeal to a German employee, but on appealing to employees from the target country.

2. Communicate practice support and onboarding

Foreign workers come from different backgrounds than German workers and are often unfamiliar with Germany. As a result, offers of assistance are particularly appealing to them: Companies that demonstrate they can help with applying for documents and visas, finding housing, and settling into life in Germany are clearly preferred as employers.

3. Clear job description and qualification requirements

Companies should clearly communicate what types of jobs they are looking to fill and what qualifications are required. Employers should describe the qualification requirements in terms of the education system in the candidate’s country of origin or explain them in a way that job seekers can understand and relate to. The company’s own values—what behaviors are expected and what is important to the company—should also be clearly communicated so that the right potential candidates apply.

4. Identify opportunities for development

Just like domestic workers, foreign workers seek permanent, full-time employment with the associated career prospects. This is especially true for foreign employees who wish to bring their families to Germany as soon as the law allows. If the workplace has an international environment—that is, if the company already employs workers from the target country—this should be communicated. It is easier for new foreign workers to settle in when they can get support from fellow countrymen.

5. Leverage Your Online Presence and Targeted Channels

Companies should establish an online presence where they can showcase all this information. This starts with a website and extends to the relevant social media platforms. It’s important to keep in mind that in many countries, potential employees are more likely to be found on Facebook than on LinkedIn. It always depends on the customs and practices in the target country.

6. Involve specialized staffing agencies

Especially when there is a greater need for workers, it is advisable to use specialized recruitment agencies—service providers that specialize in finding workers in specific target countries. These agencies are familiar with local procedures and opportunities, have access to databases, networks, and other resources, and are able to find a large number of applicants in a short amount of time.

Which skilled workers from abroad are in particularly high demand?

We are looking for all employees with a technical background—whether gained through education, experience, or personal interest. We are also seeking specialists for the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical sector, and food production. Production assistants are also in high demand across all industries.

People with expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, or automotive engineering are in particularly high demand. Knowledge of automation technology and robotics is also valuable, as automation in production continues to grow.

Most In-Demand Jobs in Manufacturing and Logistics

• Machine Operators and CNC Machine Operators
• Machine and Plant Operator or Plant Operator
• Warehouse Assistant or Logistics Employee
• Packers, Pickers, and Packing Staff
• Production Assistants
• Warehouse Workers – From Logistics Specialists to Logistics Assistants
• Warehouse Logistics Specialist
• Order Picker

Anyone who is familiar with logistics, knows how to use the “Ameise” and “Schnellläufer” systems, and is skilled in order picking and warehousing will always have a chance of finding a job. Then there are forklift operators—whether they operate high-rack forklifts, side-loaders, or front-loaders. They’re always welcome in any warehouse. A valid forklift license and experience as a forklift operator are practically a guarantee of a job.

Conclusion

Employees from non-European countries need a residence permit, a work permit, or a visa. For companies that wish to recruit foreign workers, it is very important to assist them in obtaining these documents. Furthermore, they should position themselves as attractive employers to foreign applicants, and it may be worthwhile to utilize the services of specialized recruitment agencies.

People with a technical background are always welcome in production. This includes anyone with expertise in food manufacturing or in one of the jobs in the pharmaceutical or chemical industries. Employees with a background in warehousing and logistics are also in high demand—and, of course, anyone who holds a forklift operator’s license.