The initial situation
Germany is often perceived as a land of poets, thinkers, punctuality, and reliability, making it an attractive destination for emigrants. We Germans like to think that. However, according to the Expat Insider 2023 Survey by InterNations, a network for expats, Germany ranks low in popularity among expats compared to other countries. What were the reasons, and what did it mean for the skilled workers considering moving to Germany? Is it still possible to build a successful future in Germany? In the following lines, I will attempt to answer these
questions.
Why is Germany so unpopular with expats?
Let's examine the reasons for the poor performance in international comparison. According to the InterNations survey, the biggest challenges for expats are finding accommodation, the lack of digital infrastructure, and the friendliness of the local population. As someone who has returned to Germany with my family after six years abroad, I can only concur with the affected expats. Finding accommodation in metropolitan areas is complex, and finding an affordable apartment in cities like Berlin and Munich is almost impossible. We had to fully disclose our financial situation for renting our apartment in Mannheim and then hoped we would get the contract.
Another point of criticism is the lack of digital infrastructure. The Germans and "digitality" seem to be at odds. Although the government has promoted digital expansion, employees still prefer their "Stempel" ("stamp") and copier in many offices, not to mention the good old fax machine.
Many documents can now be filled out online only to print them out in the end and send them by post. This has been my experience multiple times in the last few months. Another example: While many countries have a nationwide mobile network, you'll often find yourself in a dead zone in Germany. The same is valid with cashless payments. The sign "nur Bargeld" ("only cash") is still too often seen in Germany. After years of only paying with a credit card or cell phone, we also had to get used to carrying cash again.
Let's come to the third point of criticism: the friendliness of the population. Many expats find Germans to be rude and unfriendly and have a hard time making friends. What could that be about? One reason may undoubtedly be the German language. The German language is difficult to learn and challenging to understand. A statement in German often sounds very harsh and direct. Germans also love their habits and are critical of strangers. The word "German Angst" has become established in international usage here. Germans greatly desire security, fear avoidance, and risk prevention. That is why Germans are often described as fearful, hesitant, and unwilling to take risks in the international environment. These factors may make expats feel unwelcome in Germany compared to other countries.
And now? Is it still a good idea to move to Germany as an Expat?
My straightforward answer is: "Yes". Today, even more than before. Germany has a massive shortage of skilled workers in many industries. Without the immigration of qualified specialists, Germany cannot cover this shortage.
The government has introduced new laws and regulations. The "Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz" ("Skilled Immigration Act") has been gradually coming into force since November 2023. What is new is the introduction of a so-called opportunity card based on a points system. Skilled workers willing to work and want to immigrate to Germany with the help of this law must prove German language skills, professional experience, age, and a connection to Germany. In addition, the minimum salary will fall in the future; foreign skilled workers will only have to achieve a gross salary of around 43,800 euros annually instead of the previous 58,400 euros.
Not only the government but also companies have recognized that it is time to act. Many companies, for example, in the care sector, specifically recruit skilled workers from abroad, support them in finding accommodation, or offer special language courses. The housing shortage has been recognized, and solutions are being developed to reduce it.
Does this mean that the criticisms mentioned above from the survey are invalid?
Of course not. When we consider the rise of right-wing extremist parties in Germany and across Europe, it's understandable that foreign skilled workers may feel hesitant about moving to Germany. Feeling welcomed in your private life is crucial to settling successfully in a new country. Recent events and news reports can be understandably alarming, but there is strong opposition to this extremist trend in Germany. The public, along with many politicians and CEOs, are speaking out against racism by using hashtags such as #NieWiederIstJetzt and #NoToRacism. They are advocating for a diverse and vibrant Germany, and Germany is already a culturally diverse place, as almost a third of the country's residents have a migration background.
Anyway, it wouldn't be honest to say that newcomers are welcomed with open arms in Germany. It takes time and effort to adjust to the country's customs and practices, which may initially seem strange or outdated. The German bureaucracy can be frustratingly slow, sometimes leading to feelings of despair.
However, once you have established yourself professionally, you will have access to secure jobs, a primarily free healthcare system, and free schools and tuition-free universities. Having witnessed the gradual erosion of freedom of the press and expression while living abroad, I understand the value of living in a country like Germany, where these values are still upheld.
The original question was whether Germany was a good option for Expats?
I can confidently answer that question with a "Yes, it is." Although Germany may not offer as much sunshine as Spain or the same level of friendliness as Mexico (the top scorer in this area according to the InterNations Survey), Germany offers high social and private security. As a skilled worker, you can use your know-how to help Germany tackle the significant challenges of the coming decades and build a high-quality life for you and your family.
Here you can find the full survey:
For more information on immigration, visit:
If you have any questions about the application process for a job in Germany, send me a message.
I would love to hear from you.
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