COMING TO STAY
While the whole of Germany is complaining about a shortage of skilled labour, more and more highly qualified international professionals are settling in Düsseldorf. The Expat Service Desk helps them get started in the state capital.
13,5 Millionen Einwohner:innen und 557.000 Unternehmen in einem Radius von 50 Kilometern machen Düsseldorf und Umgebung zu Deutschlands größter Wirtschaftsre13.5 million inhabitants and 557,000 companies within a radius of 50 kilometres make Düsseldorf and the surrounding area Germany's largest economic region. As a result, more and more international companies are deciding to locate their headquarters in the greater Düsseldorf region, which also attracts highly qualified foreign professionals, so-called expats, to the state capital. They have to overcome a number of official hurdles before they can settle here. The Expat Service Desk, an organisation run by the Office of Economic Development of Düsseldorf/ District of Mettmann and the Düsseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce, is an important first point of contact. 'We are a service centre for companies in the region and their international employees,' explains Svitlana Bayer, project manager of the Expat Service Desk. 'First and foremost, HR managers turn to us with their questions on topics such as residence permits and visas for non-EU citizens, work permits and the recognition of foreign educational qualifications or other official procedures. In the second step, expats come to us for individual advice,' continues Svitlana Bayer. The Expat Service Desk works with companies from all sectors, 'from services and finance to the creative, digital and communications industries', however, she says that the Mettmann district tends to be dominated by industry.
Is there such a thing as a community for international professionals in Düsseldorf? 'Of course, there are country-specific communities in which the new arrivals keep to themselves. But there are also organisations where international expats meet, such as Social Melting Pot, Düsseldorf Culture and Language Exchange,' says Bayer. She and her team also organise events such as tours with English-speaking guides for expats, mainly for newcomers, in which interested people are shown around the city and the surrounding area - a perfect opportunity to network.
Rachel Karen Raju moved to Düsseldorf from Singapore in September 2017. She now feels at home in the state capital.
Svitlana Bayer is project manager at the Expat Service Desk and supports international professionals as they start their new lives in Düsseldorf.
Many of the skilled workers come from non-EU countries such as Japan, Korea, China and, in recent years, increasingly from India, but also from Latin America. 'For the past three years, there has also been an increase in people from Ukraine who want to work here or set up their own business. We have a very large network and know exactly which services are suitable for each individual and consultations in a wide range of languages, especially English,' explains Svitlana Bayer. In their work, she and her team naturally have to react to international events time and again. 'Our advice services and focus have been changing constantly, especially due to current geopolitical events.' In addition, there have been several changes to German residence law in recent years, which are passed on to companies and international skilled workers.
Rachel Karen Raju came to Düsseldorf from Singapore in September 2017. 'I was looking for a more international experience and the city presented itself as a strategic location and an important business centre with strong connections across Europe. When I moved to Düsseldorf, I was looking for resources to help me relocate.' The Expat Service Desk answered many of her questions and supported her during the relocation process. The initial adjustment took some getting used to, she says, but over time she became more accustomed to the local rhythm. 'The support I received right from the start, the openness of the international community and, above all, the friendliness of the people really helped me to feel at home. Düsseldorf is a city well worth living in and I can absolutely imagine staying here longterm.'
She has become part of the small but important expat community. It is a colourful mix of people from different backgrounds. 'I got to know some of them through work, others at church, at networking events or through mutual friends. In the meantime, I've also developed close friendships with people from Düsseldorf, which has helped me to feel like I belong.'
David Hernandez Pons only moved to the state capital six months ago. It was actually his wife who came to the state capital for a new job. 'I moved to Düsseldorf for love, so to speak, I come from the tech sector and am currently founding my own startup,' he says. The Spaniard has already settled in well. David is currently busy learning German, but he still finds communicating with the local bureaucracy a challenge, even though English is spoken almost everywhere, which has certainly helped him feel at home here. 'Anyone who has ever been to Düsseldorf knows how much potential the city has. It has a strong economy with numerous companies from various sectors and is exceptionally well connected to the heart of Europe. The city's international character also makes it easier for expats to settle here and make contacts.' David particularly appreciates the quality of life here. Although the transition wasn't easy at times, 'we feel much more comfortable now and want to use the summer to become part of the expat community and meet new people.' It really does seem as if David has come to stay. •
Text: Katja Vaders
Pictures: Fotografin aus Monheim am Rhein, Anna Kowolik, Rachel Karen Raju, privat