Is settling in Germany difficult is a question many Vietnamese ask when weighing up other markets. The answer to whether settling in Germany is difficult depends on your profile and occupation. This article gives a realistic assessment.
Is settling in Germany difficult: it depends on your profile
Whether settling in Germany is difficult depends on your individual profile: qualifications, occupation, language, experience. Someone with a university degree in a shortage occupation (IT, engineering, healthcare) and good German/English can have a relatively smooth path via the EU Blue Card or Chancenkarte.
Those without a university degree, without German, and not in a shortage occupation will find it harder. However, there are still pathways such as Ausbildung (vocational training) for young people, or learning the language and a vocational qualification in Vietnam before moving.
Comparison with other markets
Compared with Canada (Express Entry), Germany has advantages: the EU Blue Card salary threshold can be lower than Canada’s required salary, there is the Chancenkarte allowing entry to job-search, and Ausbildung for young people without a university degree. However, Germany requires stricter qualification recognition than Canada.
Compared with the US (EB-3), Germany is much faster: there is no long wait time like the Visa Bulletin, and the path to permanent residence can take as little as 21-33 months with the EU Blue Card. However, the US does not require German, which can be an easier point for those with weak German.
A Realistic Approach
A practical approach is to assess your individual profile and choose the most suitable path, rather than asking generally whether it is hard or easy. Those with a shortage occupation and good English/German should try the EU Blue Card. Those without a job offer yet can choose the Chancenkarte. Young people without a degree can choose Ausbildung.
German language ability is a factor that raises the success rate on every path. Investing in learning German while preparing other documents is the sustainable approach. You should check current requirements and carefully assess your profile before deciding.
You should refer to EU Blue Card Duc and thong tin Chancenkarte chinh thuc to check current conditions.
Summary
Whether settling in Germany is difficult depends on your profile. A university degree plus a shortage occupation plus good language skills: a smoother path via the EU Blue Card/Chancenkarte. No degree and no language: harder, though Ausbildung is available. Compared with Canada: the salary threshold can be lower, and there is the Chancenkarte and Ausbildung. Compared with the US: much faster (21-33 months), but requires German. You should assess your profile and invest in learning German.
