Number of Foreign Skilled Workers Has Risen Significantly
The latest figures come from a study by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB) and from data provided by the Federal Ministry of the Interior. They show that the number of foreign skilled workers in Germany has risen significantly in recent years.
While approximately 133,000 new residence permits for skilled workers were issued in 2023, the number had already risen to about 157,000 by 2024. In 2025, the number rose to about 205,000.
Within just two years, the number of new residence permits issued to skilled workers thus increased by more than 50 percent. As of April 30, 2026, a total of 605,000 people were living in Germany with aResidence permit.
Most of the new skilled workers come from these countries
Most skilled workers with a corresponding Residence permit currently Residence permit from India. As of April 30, 2026, approximately 91,000 Indian skilled workers were living in Germany.
Other major countries of origin include:
- Vietnam and Turkey: about 35,000 skilled workers each
- China: approximately 31,400 skilled workers
- Russia, Morocco, and Iran: about 23,000 skilled workers each
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Ukraine: approximately 19,000 skilled workers in each country
The figures show that skilled workers immigrate from many different regions of the world. Countries in Asia and Southeast Europe are particularly well represented.
More and more skilled workers have a college degree
A study by the Federal Institute for Population Research also reveals a clear trend. The number of new immigrants with a college degree has risen sharply in recent years.
Before 2015, an average of about 73,000 people with a college degree came to Germany each year. Since 2015, that number has averaged about 133,000 per year. Between 2005 and 2023, nearly one in three immigrants also held a college degree. In total , that amounted to about 1.9 million people.
At the same time, the proportion of highly skilled immigrants among all new immigrants has declined slightly. Before 2015, it stood at around 33 percent; since then, it has been around 30 percent. The reason for this is that overall immigration has risen significantly, resulting in other groups being more strongly represented.
Background: Residence permit Skilled Workers in Germany
Most foreign skilled workers in Germany hold either a Residence permit Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
The Residence permit Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is intended for skilled workers with recognized vocational training. This includes individuals who have completed their vocational training in Germany or whose foreign vocational qualification has been recognized as equivalent in Germany.
Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG), on the other hand, applies to skilled workers with a college degree. The requirement is a German college degree or a foreign college degree that is recognized in Germany or is comparable to a German degree.
To obtain a residence permit under Section 18a or Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG), the following requirements, among others, must be met:
- The professional or academic qualification was obtained in Germany or recognized in Germany
- There is a specific job offer or an employment contract
- The job is a skilled position
- For regulated professions (e.g., doctors, educators, architects, or engineers), a license to practice is required
- The Federal Employment Agency approves the employment to the extent necessary
- The working conditions are comparable to those of similar employees in Germany
A Residence permit Section 18a or Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) may be granted for up to four years. If the employment contract is for a shorter term, the Residence permit is Residence permit issued for the duration of the employment contract plus an additional three months.
One advantage of Residence permit Sections 18a and 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) is that it applies to both the Settlement permit and Naturalization . This means that periods spent holding these residence permits can later be counted toward permanent residence or Naturalization . Skilled workers can Settlement permit obtain a Settlement permit under simplified conditions.
Foreign skilled workers remain important for the German labor market
For years, Germany has been facing a growing shortage of skilled workers. Many employees will be retiring in the coming years, while at the same time fewer young people are entering the workforce.
The shortage of skilled workers is particularly acute in sectors such as nursing, healthcare, skilled trades, IT, engineering, and manufacturing. Many companies are already having difficulty filling open positions. The authors of the study therefore view the immigration of foreign skilled workers as an important way to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers.
People who already have vocational training or a college degree are particularly important. At the same time, the researchers emphasize that people without specialized qualifications can also make an important contribution. However, this requires continuing education, language courses, and the prompt recognition of foreign credentials.
