Hiring from India
For many European employers, India is now the biggest source of skilled people from outside the EU. Done properly, you get motivated, well-trained people who stay.
Why India
- Scale: India produces large numbers of engineering, IT, nursing and hospitality graduates every year.
- English: most professionals work in English, which shortens onboarding in many roles.
- Frameworks: India has migration and mobility agreements with France, Germany, Austria and Italy, and Germany has a dedicated skilled labour strategy for India.
- Retention: professionals who relocate with their families and receive good integration support tend to stay.
Roles that work well
| Works well | Needs more preparation |
|---|---|
| Software, data, cloud, cybersecurity | Nursing (recognition and B2 language) |
| Mechanical, electrical, automation engineers | Electricians and regulated trades |
| Welders with ISO 9606 certificates | Professional drivers (EU licence and Code 95) |
| Hospitality supervisors, chefs | Roles that require fluent local language from day one |
Realistic timelines
- Tech and engineering, Blue Card or highly skilled scheme: 2–4 months from offer to start, depending on visa appointments.
- Skilled trades with recognition: 4–8 months.
- Nurses: 12–24 months including language learning and recognition, or 4–8 months for candidates who already have B2 and recognition underway.
The steps
- Define the role precisely: occupation code, salary, required qualification and language level.
- Check the permit route and salary threshold in your country.
- Source candidates directly, through your network, or with licensed recruitment partners in India. See how we help you hire.
- Interview and assess remotely: technical tests, video interviews, reference checks.
- Make a written offer in English, matching permit requirements.
- Support recognition and the visa application where needed.
- Plan relocation and integration: temporary housing, registration, language classes, a buddy.
Fair recruitment
Candidates must never pay recruitment fees. In India, agencies that recruit workers for overseas employment must be registered with the Ministry of External Affairs. Using registered partners protects your company's reputation and keeps you in line with the EU's fair recruitment standards. See ethical recruitment.
Quick answers
How long does it take to hire someone from India for a job in Europe?
About 2 to 4 months for tech and engineering roles, 4 to 8 months for skilled trades that need recognition, and 12 to 24 months for nurses who still need language training and recognition.
Should candidates pay recruitment fees?
Never. In India, agencies recruiting workers for jobs abroad must be registered with the Ministry of External Affairs.
