The New Skilled Immigration Act in Germany

Ever thought about packing your bags and starting a new life in Germany? If so, you're in luck because Germany is making it easier for skilled workers like you to move there with the German Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz). This law is a big deal because Germany, like many countries, is facing a shortage of skilled workers. They need people who are good at their work to keep their economy growing.

Filling the labor market gap with the German immigration law

Many of Germany's industries are doing well, but there aren't enough skilled workers to fill all the jobs. From technology to healthcare to engineering, there's a growing demand for qualified professionals.

That's where the Skilled Immigration Act comes in. This law was introduced to address these labor shortages by making it easier for skilled workers from outside the EU to move to Germany and pursue these job opportunities. It's a win-win situation – you get to work and live in a country with great opportunities, and Germany gets the skilled workers it needs to keep things running smoothly.

The main goals of this law are pretty straightforward:

• Attracting professionals with the right qualifications.
• Making the whole immigration process less of a headache.
• Boosting its economic growth and maintaining its competitive edge globally.
• Bringing in younger workers who can contribute to the economy for many years.

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How do I become a skilled worker?

Let's be clear about who exactly is considered a "skilled worker" under the German Skilled Immigration Act. The term may sound a bit formal, but it covers many professions and qualifications. In simple terms, a skilled worker is anyone with the right training, qualifications, and experience to meet Germany's needs. Whether you're a graduate or a tradesman, there's a place for you if your skills are in demand.

Skilled workers with vocational training

You don't need a university degree to be a skilled worker in Germany. You qualify if you've completed vocational training recognized in Germany. This can include various crafts and technical skills that are in high demand, such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and other technical professions.

Academically qualified professionals

Your university degree must be recognized as equivalent to a German degree. This includes everything from bachelor's to master's degrees in fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, and more. Your chances are even better if your degree is in a high-demand field.

Easier to find work in Germany with the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries. It was introduced to make Europe more competitive in the global job market by attracting skilled workers. The updated Skilled Immigration Act has significantly lowered the barriers for professionals to come to Germany.

Lower salary thresholds

Previously, the minimum salary threshold to qualify for the EU Blue Card was € 58,400 per year, which made it difficult for many skilled workers to qualify. Now, with the updated regulations, the minimum annual salary requirement for the EU Blue Card has been reduced to € 43,800 (€ 3,650 per month).

Expanded eligibility for IT specialists

As an IT specialist, you can now get an EU Blue Card even if you don't have a university degree. You're eligible if you can show at least three years of similar professional experience. Plus, the lower salary threshold for shortage occupations applies here, which in 2024 is set at € 41,041.80. This makes it much easier for experienced IT pros to take advantage of the EU Blue Card and start working in Germany.

List of shortage occupations expanded

Germany has expanded the list of shortage occupations for the EU Blue Card, which makes it easier for skilled workers in various fields to qualify. The lower salary threshold of € 41,042 per year applies for these jobs.

• Manufacturing and construction managers
• Professional service managers (e. g. childcare)
• Nursing and midwifery professionals
• Dentists
• Pharmacists
• Veterinarians
• IT experts
• Teachers

Settlement permit for skilled workers

EU Blue Card holders can now get a settlement permit after just 21 months if they can demonstrate good German language skills at B2 level. If you’re not quite there with your German, don't worry – you can still qualify after 33 months of employment without the language requirement.

Reduced job restrictions to get a work permit in Germany

EU Blue Card holders are no longer restricted to working in jobs related to their original qualifications. They now have the flexibility to change industries and work in different fields, providing greater career mobility and opportunities.

Skilled Immigration Act introduces new Opportunity Card

The German government introduced the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) in June 2024 as part of the Skilled Immigration Act to make it easier for skilled workers from non-EU countries to enter the country and look for a job there rather than having to secure employment before moving. This not only expands the pool of potential candidates but also makes Germany a more attractive destination for professionals from around the world.

The Opportunity Card is a points-based system that evaluates candidates based on several key criteria:

• Qualifications
• Work experience
• Language skills
• Age
• Job offer

Immigration of skilled workers: Simplified recognition of foreign qualifications

The process for recognizing foreign qualifications has been simplified. Skilled workers in non-regulated occupations who earn above a certain salary threshold no longer need to have their foreign degrees formally recognized in Germany if they have at least two years of relevant work experience. This change drastically reduces the bureaucratic hurdles that previously existed.

Formal recognition of professional qualifications is required for regulated professions before you can start working. In the past, the recognition process had to be initiated and completed before you could even apply for a work visa in Germany. This often resulted in long waits and frustration. However, the Recognition Partnership allows you to get a work visa first and then start the recognition process once you're in Germany, making the transition easier for both you and your employer. There are some requirements:

• Valid employment contract with a German employer.
• A vocational qualification of at least two years' duration or a university degree (recognized in the country where you received the education).
• German language skills at least at level A2.

Employment of professional drivers: Simplified procedure for skilled workers

Germany's new law has made it much easier to hire foreign professional drivers from countries outside the EU by eliminating previous obstacles. Previously, employers had to ensure that foreign drivers had the required EU or EEA license and that they had completed the required initial qualification. Under the new rules, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) now only looks at employment conditions such as pay and working hours to ensure they meet local standards.

The labor market test (priority check), which required employers to prove that there were no suitable German or EU/EEA workers available for the job, has been removed as well. This change speeds up the approval process and makes it much easier for employers to hire foreign professional drivers.

Family reunification and immigration policy

If you’re a skilled worker in Germany, your spouse or registered partner can join you as long as you have a valid residence or settlement permit. Parents of minor children living in Germany can now apply to join their kids. Similarly, if you're a skilled worker with children, your kids can join you in Germany. This helps keep families together and provides a stable environment for children to grow up in. There aren't any strict requirements regarding the amount of living space, which makes the reunification process a lot easier.

Conditions:

• You must be able to financially support your family members, proving you have sufficient income to cover their living costs.
• You need a valid residence permit or settlement permit, such as an EU long-term residence permit, a residence permit, or an EU Blue Card.
• Basic knowledge of the German language is required to help with integration and daily life.

If you are a non-EU national residing in Germany, you can apply for a Family Reunion Visa. This long-stay visa allows your family members to join you and can be extended to a residence permit once they're in Germany.

Short-term employment under the German Immigration Act for skilled workers

Germany is on a mission to tackle job shortages, and the short-term quota employment program is a big part of the skilled labor strategy. It's a quick and easy way for foreign skilled workers to fill urgent job vacancies in key sectors. Each year, the Federal Employment Agency sets a limit for the short-term employment of foreign workers. For 2024, the quota is set at 25,000 workers.

To be eligible for the short-term quota employment, you must:

• be employed in Germany for at least 30 hours per week.
• have your employer commit to paying wages and benefits that align with the relevant collective bargaining agreement.
• have the travel expenses to Germany covered by your employer.
• not exceed eight months of employment within a 12-month period.

Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution. Short-term quota employment provides temporary work authorization but doesn't lead to permanent residency. It's designed to fill immediate skills gaps to meet short-term needs.

Western Balkans Regulation: Easier access to non-regulated jobs in Germany

The Western Balkans Regulation is a special program that allows citizens of six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia – easier access to non-regulated jobs in Germany. Initially set to expire at the end of 2023, the Western Balkans Regulation has been made permanent as part of the updated German Skilled Immigration Act. This extension ensures long-term opportunities for workers from these countries.

Originally, the annual quota for work visas in Germany under the Western Balkans Regulation was 25,000. Good news: from June 2024, this quota doubled to 50,000. Because of the high demand, the country uses a lottery system to select applicants for visa appointments. You must register during the designated period if you're from one of the six Western Balkan countries.