Germany’s Revamped Skilled Immigration Law Comes into Effect

As of November 18, 2023, Germany has started rolling out a series of changes to its Skilled Immigration Act, initially passed by the Bundestag during the summer. This is part of an effort to address the country’s acute shortage of skilled workers, with hundreds of thousands of vacancies in sectors like IT, technology, medical care, construction, and logistics.

Stage One: Easing Blue Card Requirements

Effective immediately, the revised rules lower the annual salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card, facilitating entry for academics and similarly qualified professionals from non-EU countries. Now, for shortage occupations, the salary requirement is approximately €40,000, while for other jobs, it is around €44,000. Additionally, IT professionals without university degrees and nursing assistants with less than three years of training are now eligible under certain conditions. This first tranche of changes also grants more flexibility in job changes for Blue Card holders in Germany, although regulated professions will maintain their stringent qualification criteria.

Stage Two: Residency Rights and Accelerated Approval Processes

Skilled workers with requisite qualifications are now entitled to a residence permit, with discretionary powers of diplomatic missions and immigration authorities curtailed. The Federal Employment Agency will fast-track the approval process, and experienced workers will not need German recognition of their qualifications if they are already acknowledged in their home country and possess two years of professional experience.

Stage Three: Training and Opportunity Card

Set to roll out in March 2024, individuals needing to undergo training to align their qualifications with German standards will be allowed to stay for up to three years and work part-time. Additionally, skilled workers can directly start working while their qualification recognition is in progress, with a stay extension of up to three years granted under certain conditions, such as having a professional qualification of at least two years and basic German knowledge.

Family Reunification and Rights for Parents

The new regulations streamline family reunification processes, requiring proof of financial support capacity without necessitating sufficient living space. From March 2024, skilled workers may also bring their parents or parents-in-law, contingent on holding a valid residency permit.

Opportunity Card Introduction

In June 2024, Germany introduces the points-based “opportunity card,” allowing qualified individuals to seek employment in Germany for one year, provided they can support themselves financially. Applicants will need a university degree or a vocational qualification of at least two years, and either basic German or intermediate English language skills.

Western Balkans Regulation Expansion

Significantly, the regulation concerning the Western Balkans has been updated, doubling the quota to 50,000 workers from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This aims to facilitate access to the German labor market for citizens of these nations, contributing to the employment landscape in Germany.

The Aim: Simplified Immigration and Employment

Germany’s overarching goal is to simplify the immigration process for skilled workers and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Employers can stay informed about skilled immigration opportunities and related projects through the “Make it in Germany” portal, ensuring they have the support needed to fill crucial gaps in the workforce.

These phased changes represent a substantial shift in German immigration policy, reflecting a more open and flexible approach to filling the skill shortages that challenge its economy.