The Ems Axis growth region (Emsland, East Frisia, and County of Bentheim) is one of those regions in Germany where economic dynamism and quality of life go hand in hand. Characterized by innovative medium-sized companies, strong industrial structures, and a family-friendly, rural environment, the region offers international professionals a safe place for professional and personal development. The name "Ems-Axis Growth Region" comes from the association of the same name, which, with over 900 members (companies, municipalities, chambers, and educational institutions with a total of around 140,000 employees), is one of the strongest regional networks in Germany. And the name says it all: in recent years, the number of employees subject to social insurance contributions has risen significantly above the federal and state average.

In recent years, the Ems Axis has implemented a series of measures, projects, and events – some of which have attracted national attention – that ensure the sustainable integration of skilled workers into the region. Within the region, we take a closer look at the Emsland region and its diverse initiatives to attract international skilled workers. Demand remains high, with the region particularly strong in the fields of mechanical engineering, metal and glass finishing, renewable energies, logistics, and bioeconomy. Many companies in the Emsland region focus on long-term employment, stable structures, and personal loyalty. International professionals therefore not only find a job in the Emsland region, but often career prospects for many years to come.

The Emsland region is also distinguished by its location in the German-Dutch border area. Cross-border exchange in business, culture, and everyday life is a natural part of this. International influences are visible and are perceived as enriching. In conversations with skilled workers, it is often said that this openness is an additional advantage: they experience a region that thinks European, is internationally networked, and sees cultural diversity as a strength.

Arriving in the Emsland region – Welcome Center and regional networks

Founded in 2006, Wachstumsregion Ems-Achse e.V. (Ems Axis Growth Region Association) connects regional stakeholders, organizes numerous events, and has been actively involved in the area of "finding and retaining skilled workers" for 20 years now. A central component of the work is the Welcome Center, which is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). For many international professionals, it is their first actual contact with the region and the place where their arrival begins in practical terms. Building on the experience gained by specialist service centers (since 2010), the Ems Axis has expanded and further professionalized its advisory services for employees and employers through funding. The topics covered by the Welcome Center range from residence and work permits to finding accommodation, childcare issues, and the first steps in dealing with banking and insurance companies. On-site consultations in Lingen and Papenburg, which are deliberately offered at the central hubs of the Emsland region, are particularly helpful in this regard. Skilled workers and companies appreciate the personal support, which often goes beyond mere informational discussions – for example, by providing assistance with complex applications.

Close cooperation with strong regional partners is a key factor in the successful integration of international skilled workers. With the founding of the Lingen Economic & Service Center by the Wachstumsregion Ems-Achse e. V. (Ems Axis Growth Region), the Osnabrück-Emsland-Grafschaft Bentheim Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the Lingen Economic Development Agency, a central structure was created that brings together economic activities, skilled worker projects, and business concerns under one roof. In addition, the Ems Axis is in constant communication with the municipalities in the region, local economic development agencies, and numerous business representatives. This close networking enables coordinated and rapid solutions.

Bridges across continents: from South Africa and Mexico to the Emsland region

In our daily work, the focus is not only on professional qualifications, but also on presenting the region as a place to live. International professionals should get a realistic picture of what life in the Emsland region is like at an early stage: Is there affordable housing? How family-friendly is the region? What does rural life in Germany mean? This means that even before arriving in the country, they have made a conscious decision in favor of the region – not just for the employer.

The recruitment projects of the Ems Axis in South Africa and Mexico demonstrate how multifaceted international exchange has become. In these projects, skilled workers are not only recruited and selected specifically for particular companies, but also receive support at an early stage – linguistically, culturally, and organizationally. During delegation trips, regional employers have the opportunity to meet candidates in person and get an impression of the training facilities. These visits played an important role in the South Africa project ("Moving North"), among others. One applicant traveled almost 24 hours by bus for a single interview – an impressive testament to her motivation and determination. The Mexico project ("Alemanizate") also shows how helpful personal preparation can be. The discussions there do not only revolve around technical qualifications, but often also focus on everyday issues.

Welcome Center 2.0 & HUB Mexico: the next steps

Since fall 2025, the Welcome Center 2.0 has been expanding digital consultation channels, which will further strengthen ties with companies in the Emsland region. The aim is to map the entire process seamlessly – from initial contact abroad to long-term retention. The measures already implemented and the expertise gained as a result will also be replicated on a nationwide basis in the future. By establishing the Ems Axis HUB Mexico, the Ems Axis aims to set up a contact and advice center in Lower Saxony for welcome centers and employers who are interested in trainees and skilled workers from Mexico.

Best practice: Hero Glas and the road to the Emsland region

The cooperation with Hero Glas Veredlungs GmbH (Dersum, Emsland) is an example of how these approaches work in practice. As part of the "Moving North" project, skilled workers from South Africa were trained, and five candidates subsequently received employment contracts in the Emsland region. What began locally – with language courses and preparation in South Africa – continued seamlessly in Emsland: with advice from the Welcome Center, support in finding accommodation, dealing with bureaucracy, and orientation in everyday life.

However, the collaboration does not rely solely on South African talent. The first Mexican skilled workers have also been successfully placed in companies in the region, impressively demonstrating that both the structures and the willingness of companies to build international teams are growing.

For companies, one thing is clear: the success of international recruitment depends not only on qualifications, but also on support, reliability, and respectful cooperation.

Emsland: A region that opens doors

International professionals repeatedly cite the reasons that keep them here: stability, proximity, nature, good working conditions, and people who take their time.

The work of the association “Wachstumsregion Ems-Achse e. V.”, the ESF-funded Welcome Center 2.0, and international projects are creating an environment in which people from all over the world can not only work, but also arrive, stay, and find a home.