Statutory minimum wage
General statutory minimum wage
13.90 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-01-01 · Valid until: 2026-12-31
Source: BMAS: gesetzlicher Mindestlohn · Checked: 2026-10-03
For Construction & Trade Businesses
Recruitment for construction and the skilled trades, from construction helpers to experienced professionals. We clarify duties, qualifications and availability and coordinate the appropriate employment route, including the Western Balkans Regulation where its requirements are met.
Request a free consultationPositions
From construction helpers to experienced tradespeople – we know the requirements of every position.
Support on the construction site, material transport, preparation work – an ideal entry point even for career changers.
Masonry, plastering, screed work – with professional experience from their home country.
Drywall work, insulation, interior fit-out – a highly sought-after qualification.
Support for electricians and heating/plumbing/AC specialists – especially in demand due to the energy transition.
Painting work, facade design, varnishing work indoors and outdoors.
Laying tiles and flooring – precision work with high demand.
The Situation
According to KOFA, an annual average of 97,482 qualified vacancies in skilled trade occupations could not be filled in 2025 based on its calculation. This skilled-worker gap does not include helper vacancies. We assess your needs by trade and qualification. Source: KOFA Kompakt 07/2026, published 28 July 2026
Project schedules need a realistic start window. We assess candidate availability, required documentation and official steps before confirming an employment start.
The baby-boomer generation is retiring, while too few young people start an apprenticeship in the trades.
unfilled positions across Germany's skilled crafts according to ZDH in March 2023. The association's figure covers workers and skilled professionals; it is not a current 2026 vacancy count.
Legal Basis
For construction and trade professions, there are several legally compliant routes to international recruitment.
Freedom of movement applies to professionals from EU and EFTA states. No visa, no work permit required.
For construction helpers and other support roles filled by applicants from non-EU countries, an appropriate residence and employment route must be assessed individually. Section 16d(3) of the Residence Act is not a general route for helper jobs. A recognition partnership requires an eligible qualification, at least A2 German, a suitable employer and normally qualified employment. Ordinary helper work is insufficient.
With a concrete job offer, nationals from six Western Balkan countries can enter Germany – without formal recognition of professional qualifications in non-regulated professions.
The statutory quota allows up to 50,000 Federal Employment Agency approvals per calendar year, not 50,000 visas. It is allocated by month and nationality. Availability, official approvals, the residence permit and processing times must be checked individually; fast entry is not guaranteed.
Source: §26 Employment Ordinance (BeschV), Federal Employment Agency
Statutory minimum wage
13.90 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-01-01 · Valid until: 2026-12-31
Source: BMAS: gesetzlicher Mindestlohn · Checked: 2026-10-03
Sector minimum wage
16.13 € gross / hour
Valid from: 2026-07-01 · Valid until: 2027-06-30
Source: BMAS: Maler- und Lackiererhandwerk, gelernte Beschäftigte · Checked: 2026-10-03
Monthly gross median
3,111.00 € gross / month
Official occupational group: Berufe im Hochbau (ohne Spezialisierung) - Helfer-/Anlerntätigkeiten
Data year: 2025 · As of: 2025-12-31
Source: Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Entgeltatlas 2025 · Checked: 2026-10-03
Monthly gross median
3,327.00 € gross / month
Official occupational group: Berufe für Maler- und Lackiererarbeiten - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten
Data year: 2025 · As of: 2025-12-31
Source: Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Entgeltatlas 2025 · Checked: 2026-10-03
Median: official occupational group, full-time, Germany. This is not a salary promise for a particular vacancy. Sector minimum wages apply only within their scope and subject to the conditions in the source.
The Process
Specifically for construction and trade positions – from inquiry to first working day.
Which trades, how many positions, what level of experience – we clarify the exact needs in a short conversation.
We verify professional experience, language level and motivation of every candidate before presenting them.
You get to know candidates via video call and decide calmly, without pressure.
We check whether the Western Balkans regulation applies, coordinate the visa application and the arrival in Germany.
We support the start on site or in the business and remain available for both sides.
FAQ
The Western Balkans Regulation can provide an employment route for nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Recognition of a professional qualification is generally not required for non-regulated occupations. A specific job offer, the necessary approvals and the appropriate residence permit are still required. The quota allows up to 50,000 Federal Employment Agency approvals per calendar year, allocated by month and nationality; it is not a visa or timing guarantee.
The placement fee is 1.5 times the fixed gross monthly salary, with a minimum of EUR 2,480 net plus VAT per placement. Services, payment terms and any replacement arrangements are agreed in writing. Additional costs are planned transparently outside the agency fee. Candidates pay no recruitment fees.
It depends on the profession. For many helper and semi-skilled roles, no formal recognition is needed. For regulated professions or where recognition is desired, we fully support the procedure.
The start depends on candidate availability, documentation, the appropriate employment route, quotas and official appointments. We agree a realistic timetable. The Western Balkans Regulation does not guarantee fast entry or a particular employment start date.
Where possible, we coordinate an accommodation option with you. Availability, terms and additional costs are clarified in advance; accommodation or a particular length of employment is not guaranteed.
Next Step
20 minutes, free, non-binding. We'll clarify together whether and how we can help you.
Request a free consultation