THE PROBLEM

The Challenge of Finding International Employees in Germany

Germany continues to struggle with unfilled positions. In the second quarter of 2025, there were approximately 1.06 million open positions nationwide that could not be filled, despite a decline compared to the previous year. Many businesses report being unable to fill positions at least in part due to a lack of qualified personnel.

Whether you are finding international employees or apprentices, the core challenges are the same:

• Too few qualified applicants on the local market
• High effort required for pre-selection and coordination
• Drop-outs caused by poor candidate fit and insufficient preparation

The Consequences:

• Unfilled positions and apprenticeship vacancies
• Overburdened HR teams and supervisors
• Lost time and lack of planning certainty

When local labour markets cannot supply sufficient qualified talent, Terratalent helps companies finding international employees through structured partnerships and established talent pools. Through our vetted partners, we provide access to candidates who are already prepared and guide the entire process from selection through administrative handling and relocation.

We focus on markets with established structures and strong integration pathways, so that candidates are realistically prepared and the onboarding process in Germany remains plannable.

OUR SOLUTION

Finding International Employees Through Trusted Global Partner Networks

How We Help: We create a predictable pipeline of international candidates who are prepared before they start. This gives you clear timelines and more reliable outcomes.

Finding International Employees: Our 6 Step process

Woche 1:

Initial Consultation

Clarify your requirements, required language level, start date, and overall feasibility.

Result: Clear alignment and shared expectations.

Woche 2 bis 3:

Access to Partner Talent Pools

Identify suitable international employees and apprentices through our vetted partner talent pools.

Result: Broad reach across qualified talent markets.

Woche 4 bis 5:

Pre-Selection

Assess qualifications, German language skills, and willingness to relocate.

Result: Only the most suitable candidates move forward.

Woche 6:

Matching and Selection

Present shortlisted profiles and coordinate interviews through to a final decision.

Result: Precise matching with your specific requirements.

Woche 6 bis 10:

Administration and Relocation

Manage all administrative steps after hiring, including visa processing and the full relocation package.

Result: Legally compliant and fully plannable.

Woche 10:

Arrival and Long-Term Retention

Support a structured start and accompany integration to ensure long-term stability.

Result: Reliable starts and lasting employment relationships.

The German Labour Market: A Clear Overview for Employers

Many companies in Germany continue to face serious challenges filling open positions with qualified candidates. According to the Federal Employment Agency, 163 occupations still face qualified worker shortages in 2026, with 1.06 million job vacancies recorded in the second quarter of 2025.

Germany’s DIHK Skilled Labour Report for 2025/2026 shows that 83% of companies expect a negative impact from labour shortages in the coming years. Experts from the Institute for Employment Research and the German Economic Institute highlight that over 260,000 positions remain unfilled in the top shortage sectors alone, with healthcare, construction, IT, engineering, logistics, and skilled trades among the hardest hit. OECD

The situation is set to intensify further as the baby boomer generation retires between now and 2035, compounding existing difficulties in finding skilled labour and making international recruitment a decisive challenge for both private and public sector employers. Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie

Terratalent supports companies in finding international employees through structured partnerships and established talent pools when local labour markets cannot supply sufficient qualified talent. Through our vetted partners, we provide access to candidates who are already prepared and guide the entire process from selection through administrative handling and relocation.

We focus on markets with established structures and strong integration pathways, so that candidates are realistically prepared and the onboarding process in Germany remains fully Structured.