Without significant immigration, Germany’s labor force could shrink by 25% by 2060, mainly due to an aging population.
By 2040, the number of workers could decrease by 10%, from 46.4 million to 41.9 million. To avoid this, Germany would need to attract around 288,000 workers annually, particularly from non-EU countries, to sustain its workforce.
The Bertelsmann Foundation study emphasizes the need for effective immigration policies, noting that Germany’s current Skilled Immigration Act offers opportunities but still faces barriers such as bureaucracy and integration challenges. Furthermore, the study stresses the importance of integrating migrants already in the country, as many with foreign roots remain underrepresented in the labor market.
The report also suggests that different regions in Germany would experience varying impacts from immigration shortages, with eastern states like Thuringia and Saarland seeing more significant declines in their labor force. To meet labor demands, states such as Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, Berlin, and Hamburg would require a larger influx of workers.
