When Gerhard Schroeder first became chancellor approximately five years ago he fought for and succeeded in introducing a ‘Green Card’ for Germany. Just what is it and who is it for?

Mr. Schroeder comes from the industrial sector and was well aware of the problems that German companies faced – and still face –in terms of the lack of well-qualified engineers. Organizations most hit by this dilemma are the small- and medium-sized companies. Prestigious corporations, such as BMW, however, have no trouble finding experienced engineers since they can pay attractive salaries and special bonuses and perks that smaller companies cannot. These multinationals remain the dream jobs of graduates as well.

Germany’s unemployment is still far above 4 million individuals, and some expect it to rise to 5 million before things start getting better. And yet, in spite of this crisis, many vacancies are left unfilled, especially in the engineering and hospitality sectors.

According to the German economy magazine Impulse, medium-sized companies are literally running out of engineers. Two-thirds of those surveyed mentioned that there is currently a lack of qualified engineers on the employment market, and that the future looked even worse. They blame it on Germany’s recession, since the wheels of progress – the innovative skills of creative engineers -- just are supported anymore.

Why is there a deficit of engineers? One reason is the lack of new entrants into the field. The excess number of electronic engineers in the mid-nineties discouraged potential students from pursuing that profession. In the meantime, however, corporations retired a number of their engineers, so that today there is a deficit of these specialists. Whether in automotive or information technology, many positions stay vacant despite the unemployment crisis.

The German Green Card functions very similarly to that of the Untied States: it enables foreign engineers to work in Germany for a stipulated period of time, in this case maximum 5 years.

Red tape adheres to bureaucratic process all over the world. However, with the right tools and the right preparation, cutting through the red tape can be facilitated:

1. Get as much information as possible up front;
2. Your local German consulate has information on the standard of living in Germany, so that you can negotiate a satisfactory salary, which is key to feeling at home in a new country;
3. Preparing good documentation for applying for permits will facilitate your dealings with the authorities;
4. Having a job offer in Germany is crucial to having your request granted;
5. Finding a job in Germany is easier if you follow usual the German format to do so.

To live in Germany as a foreigner you require two permits: a residency permit and a work permit. You will not be granted a residency permit unless a working permit has already been obtained.

1. Write up a CV/resume or get it written by a professional (British format is more accepted than American);
2. If English is not your mother tongue, take a recognized business English test such as TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication). This will show prospective employers your ability to work in an English-speaking environment. Many companies in Germany are multinational and/or most of the employees learn English at school at the first foreign language.
3. Get your CV/resume translated by a German living in the country and who is very familiar with the style and format of a German ‘Lebenslauf.’ You will also be required to submit a photograph of yourself for a German CV/resume.
4. Write a cover letter in German and/or English with your objectives.
5. Get a list of recruiters, companies and online job-hunting agencies.
6. Once a company has decided to hire you, it can apply for a Green Card for you at the employment authorities.
7. The company will then arrange for residency permit and other paperwork, and usually organize your relocation.