Can I work as a welder in Germany?

Strong demand in Germany. Industrial and structural welding shows persistent skilled-worker demand. Typical route: Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa / Opportunity Card.

Skilled trades

Welder jobs in Europe

Q: Can I work as a welder in Spain?

Moderate demand in Spain. Naval and industrial welding demand exists, particularly in coastal shipbuilding regions; some maritime-adjacent roles appear on the difícil-cobertura catalogue. Typical route: Employer-sponsored authorisation; check provincial difícil-cobertura listing.

Welders are among Europe's more consistently sought industrial trades, especially certified welders (e.g. ISO 9606). Germany and parts of Spain's naval/industrial sectors are the strongest markets; the usual route is employer sponsorship.

Occupation

Welder · ISCO-08 721 — Sheet & structural metal workers, welders

Regulated?

No — no licence required to practise

Qualification

Vocational welding qualification plus process/position certifications (e.g. ISO 9606, EN standards).

Recognition

Welding is not usually a licensed profession, but employer-recognised certifications (ISO 9606 etc.) are decisive.

Language

Basic German or Spanish for safety and site work; certifications carry more weight than language for hiring.

Experience

1–3 years with valid certifications is a strong profile.

Typical salary

Indicative only: certified welders in German industry are commonly cited around €30,000–€48,000/yr gross; naval/offshore can differ. Verify per offer.

By country

Germany

Strong demand

Industrial and structural welding shows persistent skilled-worker demand.

Typical work-permit route

Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa / Opportunity Card

Official shortage status

Documented shortage / listed — Metal/welding trades appear among shortage roles; confirm current status for your specialisation.

Study in Germany Work in Europe Shortage occupations

Spain

Moderate demand

Naval and industrial welding demand exists, particularly in coastal shipbuilding regions; some maritime-adjacent roles appear on the difícil-cobertura catalogue.

Typical work-permit route

Employer-sponsored authorisation; check provincial difícil-cobertura listing

Official shortage status

Not catalogue-listed for most provinces — General welding is usually not catalogue-listed, but the 2026 catalogue is maritime-heavy — check your exact occupation code and province.

Study in Spain Work in Europe Shortage occupations

This is general information to help you get your bearings, not legal advice. Immigration rules, salary thresholds and shortage lists change often and every case is different, so for accurate details built around your situation, talk to a Visagrad specialist.

Windows like this don't stay open

The route exists. The hard part is being the one who actually walks it.

Shortage lists change quarter to quarter, quotas fill, and employers move on the candidates who are ready first. We don't hand you a form and wish you luck, we position your profile, time it right, and open the door before the window shifts. The people who make it are the ones who move now.

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Welder jobs in Europe

By country

Germany

Spain

The route exists. The hard part is being the one who actually walks it.

Is this your route?Let's check, honestly.

Is this your route?
Let's check, honestly.