Germany hit a new milestone last year, issuing 174,000 work visas, which is more than ever before. But despite the sharp increase in approvals, a significant number of those granted entry never actually make the move.
Record-Breaking Numbers
According to data reported by Welt am Sonntag, Germany issued around 174,000 work visas in 2024, a 10% increase from the previous year. This figure marks an all-time high and reflects the country’s growing efforts to attract skilled labor from outside the European Union.
Work Visa Approvals Over the Years
The number of approved German work visas has climbed steadily over the last few years—except for a dip in 2020 due to the pandemic. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Year | Work Visas Issued | Year-on-Year Change |
| 2021 | 97,000 | — |
| 2022 | 152,000 | +56.7% |
| 2023 | 158,000 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | 174,000 | +10.1% |
From 2021 to 2024, that’s a 77% increase—an indicator of how reliant Germany has become on international talent to fill labor shortages.
Top Source Countries: A Consistent Pattern
Between 2019 and 2023, Germany’s top five source countries for work visa applicants included:
- Serbia (every year)
- Bosnia-Herzegovina (every year)
- India (four out of five years)
- Kosovo (four out of five years)
These countries continue to play a critical role in supplying the skilled workers that German industries are actively seeking.
A Hidden Hurdle: Not All Visa Holders Make It to Germany
Despite the rising numbers, there’s a catch: not everyone who receives a visa arrives in Germany.
In 2023, while 158,000 work visas were issued, only 71,000 individuals without prior residence permits ended up receiving one for employment purposes. That’s less than half.
According to economist Wido Geis-Thöne from the German Economic Institute (IW), this discrepancy is largely due to:
- Long waiting periods in visa processing
- Lack of transparency in procedures
- Bureaucratic complexity
These issues discourage many applicants from following through, despite receiving official approval.
Skilled Migration: A Key Driver of Growth
The need for international talent is undeniable. A recent report from the IW highlights that:
“62% of employment growth in Germany between 2022 and 2023 was due to workers from non-EU countries—while only 14% came from German nationals.”
This trend underscores just how crucial third-country nationals are to the future of Germany’s labor market, especially as other European countries face similar demographic and workforce challenges.
Conclusion: A System in Transition
While the German work visa statistics show progress in attracting foreign talent, the country still faces logistical and bureaucratic hurdles that need urgent attention. If Germany wants to maintain its competitive edge and fill key positions in its workforce, it must not only issue visas, but also ensure that those visas translate into actual arrivals and successful integration.
Important Source
If you are also interested in acquiring more information about the German work visa, please refer to the following readings:
- Applying for English Jobs in Germany
- Germany Work Visa, Process Price, and Procedure
- Germany’s new Skilled Worker Visa for qualified professionals
- How to get a skilled worker visa in Germany?
- Shortage Occupations List in Germany – Bottleneck Professions
- Germany’s New Opportunity Card (Chancen Karte) Requirements and Application Process
- Opportunity Card Points Calculator