Can a German employer hire vocational workers from India?
Yes. The amended Skilled Immigration Act made it easier for skilled workers with vocational training to move to Germany. The route depends on the worker's qualification, experience and German level, and on whether the occupation is regulated.
What are the main routes?
- Recognised qualification: a worker whose foreign qualification is recognised as equivalent can take a skilled job in a non-regulated profession. The job does not have to match their training.
- Recognition partnership: a worker with a two-year qualification and German at A2 level can enter for a job and complete recognition after arrival.
- Experience route: two years of vocational training plus two years of relevant experience in the last five years, for non-regulated jobs. Salary rules apply.
- Partial equivalence: a worker who is partly qualified can enter to complete the measures needed for full equivalence.
- Opportunity Card: since June 2024, a points-based card lets people from outside the EU stay in Germany to look for work.
How can employers speed things up?
Employers can start the fast-track procedure through the local immigration authority, using the worker's power of attorney. Germany's BQ-Portal says the recognition result should be available within two months of complete documents being received, and gives the fee as 411 euros. Check these details before relying on them, as they can change.
Help is available too. The Federal Employment Agency's ZAV handles international recruitment, KOFA advises small and medium employers, and ProRecognition advises on recognition through German Chambers of Commerce Abroad in some countries.
Why practical evidence still matters
Recognition shows how a qualification compares with a German one. It does not show how someone works on your site or line today, especially when they learned a trade on the job. A practical trade test is not a substitute for recognition or a licence, but it can give you evidence of hands-on skill before you commit to the process.
Where SODH fits
SODH is starting with corridors that include India to Germany, in hospitality, care and construction. It is designed to coordinate in-person trade tests and documents with licensed partners. Visa and recognition decisions stay with the authorities and authorised professionals.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal, immigration, or employment advice. Requirements vary by country and role, so check with an authorised professional before acting.