New study: Germany needs skilled workers – but many don’t want to stay

Germany has been discussing the shortage of skilled workers for years . Politicians and business people repeatedly stress the urgent need for highly qualified people from all over the world. At the same time, practice shows that Germany is not an attractive destination for many newcomers . According to the latest "Expat Insider" study, Germany only ranks 42nd out of 46 countries. Only Finland, South Korea, Turkey and Kuwait fare worse. The reasons for this are not a lack of job opportunities, but primarily factors such as unfriendly people, a weak social environment, difficult housing searches, slow internet and bureaucracy that puts many people off. For skilled workers who have moved to Germany, this means that even if they have good career prospects, they often do not feel welcome and consider leaving Germany again.

Bureaucracy, Internet, housing – the biggest hurdles for expats

The verdict in the so-called “ Expat Essentials Index ” is particularly harsh. This covers topics such as language , administration, housing and digitalisation – and Germany has been in last place for years. Many skilled workers complain that even simple things cannot be done online , that cashless payments remain difficult and that even making appointments with a doctor or the immigration authorities are fraught with hurdles. Added to this is the difficulty of finding accommodation: only 17 percent of expats say that they were able to find an apartment in Germany without any problems – the global average is 44 percent. Affordable housing is in short supply, especially in large cities such as Berlin or Munich. All of this means that many expats, despite secure jobs and good working conditions, prefer to see their future in other countries where life is easier and more pleasant.

Lack of welcoming culture deters talent

Even more serious than the structural problems, however, is the lack of a welcoming culture . Expats report that it is difficult to make friends with Germans and connect. 63 percent of respondents in Germany stated that they have problems establishing social contacts - worldwide, only 42 percent say this. Many newcomers feel isolated and unaccepted. This has direct consequences: A study by the Institute for Employment Research shows that around a quarter of immigrants want to leave Germany again. Highly qualified workers are particularly affected - precisely those that Germany so urgently needs. When skilled workers feel they are not welcome, they move to countries that offer them more warmth and a better quality of life. Spain, Panama and Thailand do significantly better in the rankings and attract visitors with a combination of friendliness, digital infrastructure and quality of life.

What this means for foreign skilled workers

For people considering coming to Germany, these results send a mixed message. On the one hand, there are many career opportunities, a comparatively good work-life balance, and a secure job market. On the other hand, there are major hurdles in bureaucracy, integration, and finding housing . Anyone planning to move to Germany should prepare for these challenges – and seek legal support early on. An experienced immigration lawyer can help save time and stress when it comes to applications and administrative procedures. Because one thing is clear: skilled workers are in demand in Germany – but they need to know what they're getting into to successfully establish themselves here.