Germany Needs 288,000 Immigrants Annually to Sustain Workforce

Germany will require significant immigration in the coming decades to sustain its workforce as the population ages, according to a report released by the Bertelsmann Stiftung on Tuesday. The study estimates that maintaining a stable labor force will necessitate an average net migration of 288,000 workers annually until 2040.

If participation rates among domestic groups, including women and older workers, remain unchanged, the annual need for immigrants could rise to 368,000. These figures surpass the migration levels recorded in the early 2000s but are closer to the average of 600,000 yearly arrivals observed over the last decade, spurred by conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.

The report highlights the demographic shift caused by the baby boomer generation's retirement, which is expected to result in a substantial reduction in Germany’s labor pool. This decline may have far-reaching effects on the country’s economic growth and labor market dynamics.

The findings underscore the role of immigration as a key factor in addressing the challenges posed by an aging population and maintaining economic stability in the long term.