What is xing

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: Xing is a professional social network platform primarily used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, similar to LinkedIn. It connects professionals for job opportunities, networking, and career development.

Key Facts

Overview

Xing is a professional networking platform designed to connect career professionals, job seekers, and employers. Founded in Germany, it operates primarily in European markets and serves a similar function to LinkedIn but with regional specialization and localized features tailored to European business culture.

History and Development

Launched in 2003 as openBC (Open Business Club), the platform rebranded to Xing in 2007. The company grew organically through European expansion and was acquired by Axel Springer, a major German media company, in 2015. This acquisition strengthened Xing's position in the German-speaking professional community.

Key Features

Xing provides several professional tools:

Regional Importance

Xing maintains stronger market presence than competing platforms in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Many employers in these regions use Xing as their primary recruitment channel. For professionals in European markets, particularly German-speaking countries, Xing is often essential for career visibility and job opportunities.

Premium Services

While basic Xing accounts are free, premium memberships offer enhanced features like advanced search, unlimited messaging, and priority visibility to recruiters. Companies can create premium accounts for recruitment and employer branding purposes. The platform's business model relies significantly on premium subscriptions and employer services.

Related Questions

How does Xing compare to LinkedIn?

Both are professional networks, but Xing is more regionally focused on Europe, particularly German-speaking countries, while LinkedIn operates globally. Xing often has stronger presence among European employers and job seekers.

Is Xing membership free?

Basic Xing profiles are free, but premium memberships offer additional features like advanced search and unlimited messaging for a monthly fee. Most job browsing and basic networking functions remain free.

Which countries use Xing the most?

Xing is most popular in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where it often dominates the professional networking market. It also has significant presence in other European countries but with varying adoption rates.

Sources

  1. Xing Official Website Official
  2. Wikipedia - Xing Social Network CC-BY-SA-4.0