Europe mobility intelligence
Europe's shortage occupations
Where are employers struggling to find qualified workers? In Spain, the 2026 SEPE difícil-cobertura catalogue is led by maritime, construction and transport roles, plus a documented shortage of family doctors across nearly all provinces. Germany reports long-standing shortages in healthcare, skilled trades and professional driving. Being on an official shortage list can simplify the work-permit route — it never guarantees a visa.
Sourced from official catalogues. Informational only, not legal advice. Last verified 13 June 2026.
Documented shortages & the routes they open
| Occupation | Country | Status | Typical route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Germany | Strong demand | Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa / Opportunity Card + qualification recognition |
| Welder | Germany | Strong demand | Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa / Opportunity Card |
| HVAC technician | Germany | Strong demand | Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa / Opportunity Card + recognition |
| Healthcare — nurses & doctors | Spain | Strong demand | Qualification homologación + college registration; employer or public-health recruitment |
| Healthcare — nurses & doctors | Germany | Strong demand | Skilled Worker visa (recognition) / recognition partnership + Approbation for doctors |
| Healthcare — nurses & doctors | Ireland | Strong demand | Critical Skills Employment Permit + professional registration (NMBI / Medical Council) |
| Healthcare — nurses & doctors | France | Strong demand | Passeport Talent / salaried route + qualification recognition and professional registration |
| Truck / HGV driver | Spain | Strong demand | Employer-sponsored authorisation; difícil-cobertura simplifies the labour-market test where listed |
| Truck / HGV driver | Germany | Strong demand | Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker route + licence/CPC recognition |
| Software developer | Germany | Strong demand | EU Blue Card (degree + salary threshold) / Skilled Worker visa |
| Software developer | Ireland | Strong demand | Critical Skills Employment Permit (occupation on the Critical Skills list) / General Employment Permit |
| Care worker / geriatric nurse | Germany | Strong demand | Skilled Worker visa (recognition) / recognition partnership + language |
| Construction worker | Spain | Strong demand | Employer-sponsored authorisation; difícil-cobertura simplifies it where listed |
| Plumber | Germany | Strong demand | Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa / Opportunity Card + recognition |
| Civil engineer | Germany | Strong demand | EU Blue Card (degree + salary threshold) / Skilled Worker visa |
| Agricultural / seasonal worker | Spain | Moderate demand | Seasonal / managed collective hiring (GECCO) — temporary contract |
How to read this. Spain's catalogue is provincial and updated quarterly, so verify your target province against the current BOE resolution. Germany's shortage classifications vary by role and region. We only list entries an official source supports.
We don't invent shortage status. Where a role isn't on an official list, its occupation page says so plainly and points to the general work-authorisation route instead.
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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