Barrier for start-ups due to insufficient expertise among workforce
Germany is taking significant strides to modernize its visa process, with the aim of remaining competitive in the global startup scene. The need for modernization has been emphasized by Magdalena Oehl, deputy chairwoman of the Startup Association, who has underscored the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the startup sector.
At the recent our brand name festival, Oehl discussed the issue of the shortage of skilled workers in startups. This shortage, particularly in areas such as IT, sales, and marketing, threatens to hinder the growth dynamics of the startup scene in Germany.
To address this issue, Germany is simplifying visa processes for international tech talent. Measures include a simplified and faster visa application process with increased transparency, the introduction of a comprehensive digital platform for online visa applications, and a 10% increase in work visas issued for skilled foreign workers by 2025.
In addition, the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card in tech and other in-demand sectors is being lowered, making it more accessible to skilled professionals and recent graduates. This move aims to attract young talent and expand eligibility for international tech workers.
The German Freelance Visa option also supports the relocation of tech professionals who work independently, such as software developers, IT consultants, data scientists, UX/UI designers, and others. These reforms create a more welcoming, efficient, and flexible immigration environment that supports Germany’s goals to mitigate skill shortages and stimulate innovation and growth within its startup and tech sectors.
However, the lack of clarity in the visa process can cause delays for highly qualified talents who have job offers from tech companies. Moreover, the visa processing times in Germany are longer compared to some other countries, with visas issued within 10 days in some countries.
These potential difficulties in the visa process may be deterring highly qualified talents from choosing Germany as their first destination. Magdalena Oehl, who is also the founder of the HR-tech platform Talent Rocket, emphasizes the need to attract these highly qualified talents.
The visa process in Germany is currently fragmented, with responsibilities distributed among different authorities. However, with these reforms, Germany is aiming to create a more streamlined and efficient process that will foster startup growth and attract the best talent from around the world.
It's worth noting that English is the main working language in three out of four scaleups, and nearly half of the employees in these startups come from abroad. These statistics highlight the international nature of the German startup scene and the need for a visa process that is welcoming and efficient for international talent.
A study conducted by the Startup Association identified a demand for skilled workers in these areas, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. With 93 percent of scaleups already recruiting internationally, particularly in Southeast Asia and North America, it's clear that these reforms are timely and necessary.
In conclusion, Germany's efforts to simplify its visa processes for international tech talent are a significant step towards addressing the skill shortage and fostering startup growth. By reducing paperwork, waiting times, and salary thresholds, Germany is making itself a more attractive destination for the best and brightest in the tech industry.
The technology sector in Germany could benefit significantly from the streamlined and efficient visa process aimed at attracting international tech talent. By reducing the complexity and waiting periods in the visa application process, Germany's educational-and-self-development sector may see an influx of skilled workers.
