Immigration is Gaining Importance
Securing skilled workers for the German crafts sector increasingly relies on employees from abroad. Last year, 576,000 foreign workers were employed in craft professions subject to social security contributions. At 17 percent, their share is now at the same level as the proportion of foreign employees overall. Within a decade, this share has nearly doubled.
Growing Contribution from Third-Country Nationals
Employees from third countries—meaning countries outside the European Union—are playing an increasingly important role. In June 2025, 296,000 individuals with non-European citizenship were employed in the crafts sector. While the number of German skilled workers in craft professions has been declining for years, employment figures for third-country nationals are showing significant growth. Compared to the previous year, their number increased by 24,000 individuals.
Reaching Skilled Workers Internationally
As a result, it is becoming increasingly attractive for German employers to also target applicants abroad during their recruitment process.
Through JOBSinGERMANY.net, companies can publish their job vacancies specifically tailored to international workers. A job listing can be posted directly at.
Employers who want to target skilled workers in various countries of origin can also prepare and publish multilingual job advertisements. JOBSinGERMANY.net provides appropriate AI tools for this purpose.
Particularly in the crafts sector, a job advertisement in the potential applicant’s native language can help reach additional target groups outside of Germany and lower entry barriers for initial contact.
Outlook and Significance for the Industry
This development underscores the growing importance of immigration as a vital pillar for securing skilled labor in the crafts sector. In view of demographic change and the declining number of German skilled workers, the integration and support of foreign workers will become increasingly crucial for the industry.
