Germany has stepped forward to position itself as a leading destination for Indian professionals, with its Ambassador to India, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, extending an open call to skilled workers at a time when the United States is tightening its visa regime.
Ambassador’s Call to Indians
On Tuesday (September 23, 2025), Ambassador Ackermann released a video message on X urging highly qualified Indians to consider Germany as their next career destination. He underscored that the country’s migration policies are not only stable but also designed to create long-term opportunities in IT, management, science, and technology.
“Our system is like a German car — reliable, modern, and predictable,” the envoy said, contrasting Berlin’s approach with frequent policy changes elsewhere. He also pointed out that Indians working in Germany often surpass locals in earnings, which he framed as recognition of their hard work and contribution to German society.
Expanding Visa Allocations
Germany has significantly raised its professional visa targets to meet labour market needs. In 2025, Berlin will issue 200,000 professional visas, of which 90,000 are earmarked for Indians, up from just 20,000 in earlier years.
The country already hosts about 130,000 Indian professionals, who, according to government figures, earned an average monthly salary of €5,359 at the end of 2023, compared to the German median of €3,945.
Addressing Demographic Challenges
Experts estimate that Germany must attract 288,000 immigrants annually until 2040 to balance its ageing workforce and sustain growth. Officials say skilled talent from India is central to this strategy, with demand rising across engineering, science, digital technology, and healthcare.
A Clear Contrast With the US
Ambassador’s message came the same day the United States announced steep hikes in its H-1B visa fees. On September 23, 2025, the Trump administration raised costs to $100,000 per application, up dramatically from the earlier range of $215 to $5,000. The move has been criticised as protectionist and discriminatory, in contrast to Germany’s relatively low and stable visa fee of €75 (about ₹8,000).
