Over the past few decades, the Emsland region in northwestern Germany has developed from an agricultural region into a powerful economic area. According to the latest structural data for the district of Emsland, the region is characterized by an above-average density of industrial companies and strong population growth. For international professionals, this offers an excellent combination of job security and quality of life.

Labor market data and facts

The economic stability of the region is impressively reflected in the figures.

While many parts of Germany are struggling with structural unemployment, the Emsland enjoys almost full employment. According to statistics from the Federal Employment Agency, the unemployment rate in the district of Emsland remains consistently low at between 3.3% and 3.7% (monthly figures for 2025).

At the same time, the region has a record number of unfilled positions. According to figures from the Federal Employment Agency, the so-called vacancy period – i.e., the time it takes to fill a vacant position – is often more than 160 days in technical and nursing professions. This suggests that the limiting factor for growth in the region is often a lack of staff.

The economic beacons: company profiles

The Emsland region is home to numerous "hidden champions." These are companies that are global market leaders in their niche, but are often less well known to the general public. As the Osnabrück-Emsland-Grafschaft Bentheim Chamber of Industry and Commerce emphasizes in its economic reports, the industrial sector is very well developed.

Krone Group

Locations: Spelle & Werlte | Industry: agricultural machinery & commercial vehicles

Krone is a global player in two respects: state-of-the-art agricultural machinery (forage harvesters) is manufactured in Spelle, while Werlte is home to one of Europe's largest trailer factories (truck trailers). The company is investing heavily in digitization and automation.

Potentially sought-after profiles: software developers, mechanics, welders, and painters.

Meyer Werft shipyard

Location: Papenburg | Industry: maritime / shipbuilding

The shipyard is world-renowned for building complex cruise ships. Not only is it a huge employer, but it also attracts a network of hundreds of suppliers. The shipyard is currently transforming itself to climate-neutral propulsion systems ("green cruising").

Potentially sought-after profiles: shipbuilding engineers, design engineers, IT specialists, piping construction and electrical engineering specialists.

BP Europa SE & RWE (Lingen energy site)

Location: Lingen (Ems) | Industry: energy & chemicals

Lingen is one of Germany's most important energy hubs. Next to the BP refinery, RWE and its partners are building a center for green hydrogen. This makes the region a pioneer in the energy transition.

Potentially sought-after profiles: chemical technicians, plant operators, and energy technology engineers.

Rosen Group

Location: Lingen (Ems) | Industry: high-tech inspection technology

A classic hidden champion: Rosen is the global market leader for pipeline inspection equipment. The company is extremely technology-driven, develops its own sensors and software and operates in more than 120 countries.

Potentially sought-after profiles: software developers, data scientists, engineers, electronics technicians.

Construction industry (Bunte & Mainka)

Locations: Papenburg / Lingen | Industry: construction industry

Johann Bunte Bauunternehmung and Mainka Bau are among Germany's leading construction companies. They carry out large-scale projects in road, water, and industrial construction far beyond the region.

Potentially sought-after profiles: construction managers and engineers, foremen, skilled workers in various trades.

Green energy: wind power as a job engine

One topic dominates the region like no other: the energy transition. The flat landscape and proximity to the coastline of the North Sea make the Emsland region a center for wind energy ("onshore"). But it is no longer just about installing wind turbines.

Why wind power creates jobs here

According to reports from the district of Emsland and industry analyses by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, a huge service sector has developed around wind energy. Since Lingen (Ems) is also considered a pioneer location for green hydrogen, energy suppliers are investing billions in the infrastructure. The energy for this comes from wind power. Engineers and planners are needed for the design of new wind farms and repowering projects. Mechatronics engineers or electronics technicians who are not afraid of heights are in demand for the maintenance and repair of wind turbines.

The tourism factor: an underestimated economic sector

The Emsland region is often perceived solely as an industrial region, but tourism is playing an increasingly important role. The region successfully markets itself as a "cycling region" and family destination. According to data from the district of Emsland, the region records millions of overnight stays every year.

Schloss Dankern (Haren): one of Germany's largest holiday centers. During the season, hundreds of jobs are created here in guest services, catering, and entertainment.

Industrial tourism: the Meyer Werft visitor center attracts around 250,000 international guests annually, which boosts hotels and restaurants in northern Emsland.

Opportunities for foreign professionals in tourism: The shortage of skilled workers is particularly acute in the hospitality industry (hotels and restaurants). They are looking for chefs, hotel and restaurant professionals. Since English is often spoken in tourism, it is sometimes possible to start here with a lower level of German (B1 level), provided that you are willing to continue learning the language.

Integration and settling in: a strong network

After recognition and entry, a strong personal network is extremely important. It is also well known in the Emsland region that skilled workers will only stay if they feel comfortable. The network "Wachstumsregion Ems-Achse e.V." (Ems Axis Growth Region), an association of over 900 companies and counties, has therefore created specialized structures.

The Welcome Center Ems-Achse is a central point of contact for skilled workers from abroad. Here, support is offered in finding accommodation, daycare places, and dealing with the authorities. In addition, there are numerous other support services for immigrants, for example from the DRK Kreisverband Emsland e. V. (German Red Cross district association) or from church organizations. In this issue of our newsletter, the Welcome Center introduces itself in detail and provides its own perspective on their home region.

Living in the Emsland region: a plus factor for families

The Osnabrück-Emsland-Grafschaft Bentheim Chamber of Industry and Commerce has launched the initiative "Excellent place to live for skilled workers." In this way, they aim to support local authorities in developing attractive places to live and work for new residents.

Rental prices in the Emsland region are below the German average, making housing affordable. There is also a good supply of daycare centers and schools. Ideal conditions for skilled workers who want to move to the Emsland region with their families.