In Germany in 2026 there is a shortage of skilled workers across a number of sectors, and the official list of “occupations in shortage” is set out in the Skilled Immigration Act.
The greatest shortages are in health care, engineering, construction, IT and education: nurses, doctors, engineers of various specialities, programmers, teachers and managers are needed across several fields.
Shortages in the health care sector and technical sciences
The health care sector requires doctors, nurses, midwives and other medical staff. Suitable candidates include professionals with medical education and patient-care experience, as well as specialists such as physiotherapists, optometrists, audiologists, dietitians and speech therapists.
In the technical sciences there is demand for engineers across many disciplines: industrial engineers, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, environmental engineers, mining engineers, chemical technologists and electrical engineers. Architects, surveyors, urban planners and designers are also needed for infrastructure and housing stock work.
IT, education and managerial positions in the list
The IT sector needs programmers, systems analysts, database specialists and network administrators to support digitalisation of the economy and public services. In education there is demand for nursery workers, school teachers of various subjects, computer science and arts teachers, and specialists for children with special educational needs.
The list also includes managerial roles: production and construction managers, supply and logistics managers, directors of child-care institutions and social services, managers in health care and professional services.
Benefits for applicants: threshold for the EU Blue Card and priority check
Persons in occupations on the list can receive a number of advantages when it comes to employment and immigration. In particular, for obtaining the EU Blue Card (residence permit for highly qualified workers) the 2026 reduced annual salary threshold applies - approximately 45 934 euros per year before tax instead of the standard threshold of about 50 700 euros per year.
The authorities can also waive the “priority check” - the procedure in which an employer must demonstrate that they have not found a suitable worker within Germany or the EU. If this check is not required, the visa process can be shortened: sometimes from several months to a few weeks.
Chancenkarte, working while job-seeking and routes to permanent residence
For those applying for the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), having an occupation listed as in shortage can provide additional points, possible help finding vacancies and the right to do part-time work while searching for the main job. The Chancenkarte is a points-based system for applicants seeking work and residence.
Holders of the EU Blue Card may apply for permanent residence after 33 months of employment. If they have German language proficiency at level B1, this period can be reduced to 21 months.
Timeframes for obtaining permanent residence: 33 months, or 21 months if you have German language skills at level B1.
