Hiring spree: Germany lists 1,307 jobs for foreign drivers, transport workers

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Germany's Make it in Germany portal currently advertises 1,307 vacancies in traffic, logistics, safety and security for foreign workers

- The majority of open roles fall under drivers and operators of vehicles and transport equipment, with 1,294 positions listed

- Applicants from non-EU countries can qualify under special regulations even without an EU driving licence or formal vocational qualification

Germany is actively recruiting foreign nationals to fill more than 1,300 transport and logistics positions, according to listings on the country's official Make it in Germany employment portal.

The portal currently shows 1,307 advertised vacancies under occupations in traffic, logistics, safety and security.

Of those, 1,294 positions are for drivers and operators of vehicles and transport equipment, while the remaining 13 fall under traffic and logistics roles that do not involve vehicle driving.

Why Germany Needs Foreign Drivers

The scale of the recruitment drive reflects a well-documented labour shortage across the German transport sector.

In 2023, Germany recorded a deficit of more than 70,000 professional drivers, a gap that continues to widen as experienced workers retire and freight volumes remain high. Around 480,000 people were employed as professional drivers in Germany in 2021, while 58,000 train drivers were active in 2024.

Germany's geography and economic structure make logistics a cornerstone industry. The country sits at the centre of Europe with one of the continent's most developed infrastructure networks, and heavy goods vehicles currently carry the largest share of domestic freight.

Rail and maritime shipping account for a significant portion of the remainder, creating demand for skilled workers across multiple transport modes.

Notably, 39% of employees already working as professional drivers in Germany are non-German nationals, signalling that the sector has long relied on an international workforce.

How Foreign Applicants Can Qualify

Prospective applicants holding a driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country, along with evidence of the relevant initial qualification, are eligible to apply directly.

Those without an EU or EEA licence are not automatically excluded; under a special legal provision for professional drivers from non-EU countries, individuals can enter Germany and obtain the necessary licence and qualification after arrival, under defined conditions.

Citizens of EU member states, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland do not require a visa or residence permit to work in Germany.

Nationals of all other countries must obtain a residence permit and, in most cases, have their vocational qualifications formally recognised before taking up employment.

For those who have completed vocational training abroad, Germany also offers a job-seeker opportunity card, which allows eligible candidates to enter the country for up to one year to search for suitable employment.

Beyond truck driving, the portal lists openings in rail transport, public bus and tram operations, inland waterway navigation and maritime shipping. Roles range from train driver and inland shipping captain to port logistics specialist and ship mechanic.

The Make it in Germany portal also provides a Quick-Check tool, allowing prospective applicants to assess their individual eligibility based on qualifications, nationality and professional background before submitting an application.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.