Official reports estimate that Germany will be short of seven million skilled workers by 2035 due to an aging population. On March 1, 2024, the second stage of the Law on Immigration of Skilled Workers to Germany came into force, opening up new opportunities for foreigners to work in the country.
The new Skilled Workers Act, which came into force in March, allows international students to work while studying. The move is expected to increase the number of skilled workers in Germany.
The study visa allows students from non-EU countries to come to Germany nine months in advance and work up to 20 hours a week. During this time, they can take English and German language courses, depending on the language of instruction, prepare an application and get to know the country.
The new law will now allow international students to work between 120 and 140 full days per year or 280 half days per calendar year. The new changes may especially affect students from low-income families.
The previous law also allowed aspiring students to come to Germany nine months before starting their studies, but they were not allowed to work during this period.
As of December 2024, a total of 770,301 open vacancies were registered in Germany in many fields. The top 20 most in-demand jobs in Germany include jobs in horticulture, woodworking, metalworking and other technical fields.
At the moment, it is not known what specific rates are being minimized.