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- Shortage occupations in Germany are specific job categories with a significant gap between skilled worker demand and supply, often called "Mangelberufe" or "bottleneck professions," creating opportunities for international professionals.
- Germany faces a skilled worker shortage due to demographic challenges like an aging population and declining birth rates, impacting 163 occupations as of May 2025. The situation persists into 2026 amid ongoing economic pressures.
- Key sectors affected in 2026 include healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, teaching, skilled trades, transport, and logistics, with a broadened list allowing more professionals to qualify for the EU Blue Card.
- Requirements for EU Blue Card in shortage occupations include a recognized degree, employment fitting the qualification, a minimum 6-month job offer, and a lower salary threshold of €45,934.20 annually (2026) with Federal Employment Agency approval.
Overview of Germany Shortage occupations
What are Shortage occupations?
Shortage occupations in Germany refer to specific job categories where there is a significant imbalance between the demand for skilled workers and the available supply. This situation arises when employers struggle to find suitable candidates for these positions. At times, these are also referred to as “Mangelberufe” or “bottleneck professions,” or “bottleneck occupations.”
Why Germany Has a Skilled Worker Shortage?
- Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, is grappling with a critical challenge: a shortage of skilled workers across multiple industries.
- As of May 28, 2025, the country faces deficits in 163 occupations, driven by an aging population, declining birth rates, and rapid technological advancements. This trend continues into 2026, with estimates of over 600,000 blue-collar vacancies alone.
- This skilled worker shortage in Germany has opened doors for international professionals seeking job opportunities in one of the world’s most stable economies.
Which Key Sectors Have Shortage Occupations (2026)?
According to the European Labour Authority (ELA) and Germany’s Federal Employment Agency, sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, skilled trades, transport, and education are among the hardest hit. These shortages are evaluated annually using statistical indicators, with occupations scoring 2.0 or higher classified as bottlenecks. This ongoing labor gap has prompted Germany to ease immigration policies, making it an ideal time for foreign workers to explore in-demand jobs in Germany.
The list of shortage occupations has been significantly expanded to include various fields such as healthcare, IT, engineering, teaching, skilled trades, and logistics. This expansion allows a broader range of professionals to qualify for the Blue Card if they meet the necessary criteria.It includes:
- Managers in manufacturing, mining, construction, and distribution
- IT service managers
- Managers in childcare, healthcare, and education
- Academic STEM professionals
- Experts in architecture, spatial and transport planning
- Medical doctors, veterinarians, dentists, and pharmacists
- Nursing and midwifery professionals
- Teachers and educators
- Skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and welders
- Transport roles such as truck drivers and logistics specialists
Shortage/Bottleneck Professions: Requirements, Application Process, and Salary Thresholds
What Are the Requirements for EU Blue Card in a Shortage Occupation Employment?
- Proof of higher education: Individual should hold a German or a foreign university degree recognized in Germany
- Relation of the degree and employment: Employment must be appropriate to the qualification
- Period of employment: Must be at least 6 months
- Job offer: Employment contract or a binding job offer in Germany
What Are the Salary Requirements in a Shortage Occupation?
Individuals employed in shortage occupations may qualify for an EU Blue Card with a lower minimum gross annual salary of €45,934.20 (as of 2026), provided that employment has been approved by the Federal Employment Agency.
Interested in more details? Read about the EU blue card application process HERE.
Conclusion about shortage occupations
n conclusion, Germany’s shortage occupations present an incredible opportunity for skilled professionals from around the globe to build rewarding careers in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. With a strong demand for talent now spanning 163 occupations and persistent shortages in key sectors, Germany is actively welcoming foreign workers to fill these roles through streamlined immigration pathways such as the EU Blue Card and the Opportunity Card.To know more details check out our full guide on Types of Blue Card.
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