Current research on migration from India to Germany (SWP Research Paper 2025/RP 04)

Migration from India to Germany is once again the focus of migration sociological research. The migration of Indian skilled workers to Germany has increased significantly in recent years. More than 280,000 Indians now live in Germany – and the trend is rising. Indian skilled workers have become indispensable, especially in the so-called STEM professions (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). They are helping to alleviate the serious shortage of skilled workers in Germany . Germany is also becoming increasingly attractive for students from India: over 50,000 Indian students are currently enrolled at German universities – making them the largest group of international students. This presents a historic opportunity for Indian skilled workers and students: Germany is actively seeking qualified immigrants. At the same time, the legal framework has become significantly more liberal in recent years – especially due to the Skilled Worker Immigration Act and the new points system (“ Opportunity Card ”), which has been in effect since 2024. Nevertheless, the path to Germany often remains complex and requires careful preparation.

The migration agreement between Germany and India: New dynamics in cooperation

With the "Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement" (MMPA), concluded in 2022 , Germany and India have opened a new chapter in their cooperation. The aim is to make migration safer, faster, and more transparent . The agreement is intended to accelerate visa procedures , simplify the recognition of qualifications , and enable better coordination between the authorities of both countries. It is important to note that the agreement does not create new residence permits , but rather improves the implementation of existing regulations. One focus is on practical support for so-called "self-organized migration" – that is, skilled workers who independently find a job offer in Germany. The agreement is supplemented by the German government's "Skilled Labor Strategy for India ," which was published in 2024. This strategy places particular emphasis on language training, cooperation with Indian educational institutions, and the regulation of private placement agencies.

The latter, in particular, plays a crucial role in practice: Many Indian applicants turn to private agencies to find their way to Germany. However, not all of them operate reliably . Excessive placement fees and a lack of transparency are widespread. Therefore, German authorities are now placing greater emphasis on the principle of "fair recruitment" – meaning that employers in Germany must bear the costs of placement, not the migrants.

Opportunities and risks: What Indian professionals should pay attention to

Compared internationally, Germany is a particularly attractive destination for skilled immigration. The unemployment rate among Indian nationals is significantly below the German average , and most work in well-paid, skilled jobs. However, there are hurdles: Many smaller German companies are still inexperienced in dealing with international applicants, and discrimination remains an issue in isolated cases.

The path isn't always easy for students either. While German universities attract students with low tuition fees and good career prospects, some private universities and agencies take advantage of the high demand. Students should therefore carefully check whether their degree program is recognized and whether the agency offering placements is reputable.

On the positive side, Germany is continuing to expand its structures in India – from language courses and digital visa procedures to improved information portals like Make it in Germany. At the same time, since 2024, the Opportunity Card has opened up new avenues for skilled workers to come to Germany, even without a specific job offer, to search for a suitable position locally.

Conclusion: Germany remains a future destination for Indian talents

For many Indian professionals, students, and trainees, Germany remains one of the most attractive destinations worldwide . The country offers stable employment prospects, high incomes, and the opportunity to stay long-term. At the same time, legal and administrative hurdles have been lowered thanks to new agreements and reforms. Anyone planning to move to Germany should gather information early, develop language skills, and only work with reputable partners. Platforms like VISAGUARD help find the right specialist lawyer or appropriate legal support—especially for questions related to visas, residence permits, and labor migration.