The workforce potential in Berlin

The labor market benefits from the advantages of a catchment area with nearly 6.3 million residents across the entire metropolitan region. Berlin's appeal attracts highly educated workers from both within Germany and abroad. Of the 2.2 million people in the workforce, approximately 1.7 million are employees subject to social security contributions. With over 976,000 foreign residents and an average population age of 42.9, Berlin is a cosmopolitan and youthful city.

Berlin is, according to a study by the German Economic Institute (IW), the most attractive destination for skilled workers and university graduates who have migrated to Germany – in 2024, one in four qualified professionals in Berlin was born abroad.

International skilled workers move particularly frequently to city states and western German federal states. In a nationwide comparison, Berlin is the clear leader, attracting the most foreign skilled workers of working age – between 25 and 64:

• 27.1 % of the specialists were born abroad,
• 41.9 % of immigrants are college graduates,
• 35.1 % of all university graduates in Berlin are from abroad,
• 14.3 % of the total working‑age population are university‑educated migrants.

In addition to jobs and career opportunities, factors such as cosmopolitanism, a welcoming atmosphere, and quality of life are also key considerations when choosing where to live and work. International communities, bilingual schools and daycare centers make it easier to settle into the city and help you get settled quickly.

For international students and researchers, the capital is one of the most popular university destinations in the world. In the 2025–26 winter semester, approximately 54,000 of the more than 206,000 students enrolled were foreign nationals. That is 26 percent of all students. Most of these students come from India, China, Turkey, Russia, Italy and Syria. Women account for 51 percent of all students in Berlin.

Four universities, numerous renowned colleges and research institutions form an international network that benefits Berlin’s economy. In addition to international connections, they provide a large pool of highly trained, multilingual professionals.