Berlin Introduces Civil Service Reforms to Address Staffing Shortages

The new measures aim to attract talent by modernizing promotion criteria and easing entry requirements for public administration roles.

Berlin faces a significant wave of retirements in its public administration, prompting concerns about staffing shortages.
The city has approved reforms to its civil service rules, including linking promotions to performance rather than seniority.
Experienced professionals from the private sector will be allowed to enter higher-ranking positions directly, bypassing traditional entry-level roles.
Probationary civil servants will now be eligible for promotions after just one year, a significant reduction from previous timelines.
The reforms also make it easier for individuals with migration backgrounds to join public service, including before obtaining German citizenship.