The European Union is actively working to address the problem of labor shortages in various sectors. Find out which professions are most in demand in the EU, what work visa options are available for foreigners in 2025, and what the Skills Alliance initiative is

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The European Union is currently facing an acute shortage of labor in various sectors and is trying to solve this issue as effectively as possible. In particular, the EU has identified 42 professions with high demand, as well as introduced new work visa options and numerous initiatives.

We will tell you about the specialists that European employers are most lacking, as well as available visa options and training programs in this article.

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Occupations in high demand in the EU in 2025

The European Commission has identified 42 critical occupations experiencing the highest labour shortages, offering numerous opportunities for foreign workers, including:

Construction and crafts

1. Civil engineers

2. Electrical engineers

3. Mechanical engineers

4. Bricklayers

5. Carpenters

6. Plumbers

7. Welders

8. Electricians

9. Roofers

10. Painters and decorators

11. Heating and air conditioning technicians

12. Construction workers

Health and social work

13. General practitioners

14. Nurses

15. Physiotherapists

16. Care workers

17. Paramedics

18. Medical radiographers

19. Pharmacists

20. Psychologists

21. Dentists

Transportation and Logistics

22. Truck Drivers

23. Train Drivers

24. Aircraft Mechanics

25. Aviation Technicians

26. Dock Workers

27. Warehouse Operators

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

28. Software Developers

29. Network Engineers

30. Cybersecurity Specialists

31. AI Specialists

32. Data Analysts

33. IT Project Managers

Manufacturing and Industry

34. CNC Machine Operators

35. Industrial Mechanics

36. Production Supervisors

37. Automation Technicians

38. Quality Control Inspectors

Education and Professional Services

39. Secondary School Teachers (STEM Subjects)

40. University Professors (Technical Majors)

41. Researchers

42. Lawyers specializing in law

Work visa options for foreign professionals in the EU in 2025

The following visa routes are available for skilled workers from outside the EU:

- EU Blue Card

Designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals. This permit requires a job offer with a salary above a certain threshold, which grants the right to reside and work in member states.

- Intra-corporate transfer permit (ICT)

Facilitates the transfer of employees of multinational companies to EU branches, usually for managerial or specialist positions.

- EU Seasonal Work Visa

Designed for short-term work in sectors such as agriculture and tourism, valid for 6-9 months, with an employment contract from an EU employer.

- European Talent Pool and Talent Partnerships Visa

Connects skilled foreign workers with employers in sectors experiencing labor shortages, focusing on construction, healthcare, and engineering.

- National Work Permits

Individual EU member states offer specific work visa programs tailored to local labor market needs, with varying requirements.

- Digital Nomad Visas

Several EU countries provide visas for remote workers working for companies outside the EU, typically for 1-2 years. Available in countries such as Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and Estonia.

These visa options aim to simplify the relocation process for foreign professionals looking for work in the EU and address acute labor shortages.

Union of Skills Initiative

In addition to publishing a list of scarce occupations and introducing special visa categories, the EU launched the Union of Skills on 5 March 2025, a strategic initiative of the European Commission to boost the EU's competitiveness by investing in human capital. It focuses on:

- Improving basic skills

Introducing programmes such as the Basic Skills Scheme to provide knowledge in key areas such as literacy, mathematics, science and digital competences.

- Promoting lifelong learning

Encouraging continuous up-skilling and re-skilling through initiatives such as the Skills Guarantee pilot project, which provides adults with the opportunity to adapt to changes in the labour market.

- Promoting worker mobility

Introducing an initiative to facilitate the free movement of workers.

- Attracting global talent

The “Choose Europe” campaign aims to attract skilled workers from third countries, improve access to visas and support employer-led training programs.

Global competition for talent is getting tougher

While the EU is actively working to attract skilled workers, competition from regions such as China, India and the Middle East is growing steadily. Many countries offer attractive remuneration conditions and additional incentives for specialists, so the EU needs to react quickly to avoid losing valuable personnel.

All these initiatives underline the EU’s desire to provide people with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive global environment, as well as to address the immediate shortage of labor in critical sectors.

Book a consultation with a migration lawyer to find out the current rules for moving and working in the EU countries in 2025.

Reminder! The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified specialists in the European Union. In 2025, the EU announced significant changes to the EU Blue Card program, aimed at simplifying employment and life for highly qualified professionals from all over the world. We have already told you what benefits the card provides, which countries issue it, the requirements that must be met to obtain a permit, as well as the package of documents to obtain a permit.

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