At a time when the United States, under Donald Trump’s administration, has implemented restrictive immigration policies, including a proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, Germany is actively welcoming Indian professionals.
Join our WhatsApp Channel to Stay Updated!
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated September 23, 2025, German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, made a direct appeal: “Here is my call to all highly skilled Indians. Germany stands out with its stable migration policies, and with great job opportunities for Indians in IT, management, science and tech.”
The statement reinforces Germany’s position as an attractive destination for skilled Indian workers, particularly at a time when other global avenues appear to be narrowing.
Ackermann also praised the achievements of Indian professionals in Germany, noting that Indians are among the highest earners in the country. He emphasized that this reflects not only their professional success but also their substantial contributions to German society and welfare
Why Germany Can be a Top Choice for Indian Professionals
Germany is increasingly attracting Indian professionals seeking global opportunities due to its strong immigration framework and growing need for experts in technology and science. Additionally, proficiency in German is not immediately necessary for many roles.
In the post, Ackermann compared Germany's consistent migration policy to its renowned engineering, describing it as 'reliable, modern, and predictable,' akin to a 'German car' that 'travels straight without any deviations,' contrasting it with the recent changes in the U.S. immigration system.
In 2024, the United States remained a major destination for Indian students, with their numbers surpassing 200,000. But the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian products by Trump and the introduction of new visa limitations could potentially hinder the influx of Indian students to the US, given the tense relations between India and Washington.
U.S. $100,000 Fee and New Rules on H-1B Visas
The announcement follows closely on the heels of President Trump’s decision to impose a $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas, the primary route for Indian professionals entering the U.S. tech sector. Alongside the steep fee, new selection criteria have been introduced, making it harder for many applicants, particularly those from smaller firms to qualify. These measures are expected to curb the number of Indian tech workers heading to the U.S., impacting a talent pipeline that has historically benefited both countries.
Indians Thriving in Germany
With the U.S. making immigration costlier and more uncertain, countries like Germany are emerging as attractive alternatives for Indian professionals and students seeking stability. Germany’s demand for skilled workers in IT, engineering, and healthcare aligns with India’s growing talent pool.
Indians now represent 13% of international students in Germany (2023–24), and by early 2025, around 280,000 Indian nationals were living there as permanent residents. They also rank among the highest earners, averaging €5,400 per month, above the German median wage.
It's a win-win situation, Indian professionals gain international exposure and higher incomes, while Germany benefits from skilled talent and deeper ties with India, helping to address its growing shortages in IT, engineering, and healthcare due to a shrinking youth workforce.
