Turkish
Italian
Spanish
Portuguese
Romanian
Albanian
Lithuanian
Latvian
Bulgarian
Greek
Hungarian
French
Croatian
Czech
In a significant move to attract and retain skilled professionals, Germany has implemented transformative changes to the EU Blue Card scheme, signaling a more inclusive and streamlined approach to skilled immigration.
This revision is part of a broader reform designed to address the labor shortages in key sectors and strengthen Germany’s position as a prime destination for international expertise.
The revised scheme, effective from November 2023, expands the definition of ‘bottleneck’ professions, which are critical areas suffering from severe labor shortages. This expansion not only encompasses the traditional fields of IT, medicine, engineering, and natural sciences but also extends to nurses, teachers, pharmacists, and professionals in the manufacturing and construction industries.
Furthermore, the salary threshold for Blue Card eligibility has been substantially reduced, now pegged to the pension contribution assessment ceiling. The adjustment ensures that the threshold is reflective of the economic conditions, with in-demand professionals now needing a minimum salary of €39,682.80 and other workers €43,800 to qualify.
Under the new regulations, Blue Card holders enjoy improved mobility rights within the EU, facilitating work-related travel and long-term relocation without the need for additional visas. Those already in the EU with a Blue Card can transfer to Germany more seamlessly, demonstrating Germany’s commitment to labor mobility across the bloc.
Family reunification has also been made less cumbersome. Family members who have previously obtained a reunification visa can now leverage this in Germany, bypassing the need for reapplication and proving financial stability or sufficient living space.
The application process for the Blue Card is straightforward and can be initiated by either the employer or the applicant, with a processing time that is notably quicker than other work permits. Notably, certain nationals can enter Germany on a short-term visa and then apply domestically, while others are advised to apply through their home country’s consulate.
After 18 months of residency, Blue Card holders are entitled to move to any other EU country, except Denmark, Ireland, and the UK, reinforcing the card’s role as a gateway to Europe. Additionally, the right to work in the EU remains intact even after a 12-month leave from the bloc.
Looking forward, Germany will further lower the hurdles for skilled workers with practical experience by March 2024 and introduce a ‘Chancenkarte’ (Opportunity Card) by June 2024, allowing skilled workers from non-EU countries to seek employment in Germany.
With the federal government hailing the new law as the “most modern immigration law in the world,” Germany is poised to welcome a new wave of skilled professionals, bolstering its workforce and contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity.
