The skilled labor immigration law in Germany comes into effect.. What opportunities are available?

The Law on Immigration of Skilled Workers from Abroad has gradually entered into force in Germany, as of November 18. The new law includes many elements that make it easier for university graduates and skilled workers who hold professional qualifications from outside the European Union to immigrate to Germany.

The amended Skilled Workers Immigration Law, which was approved by the German Parliament (Bundestag) in the summer, aims to quickly reduce barriers to the migration of skilled workers from countries outside the European Union, and the new rules will enter into force in three stages, starting from November 18 until March 2024.
Details are available on the government website
EU Blue Card

Who have found work in Germany by living here with their families.


This means that applicants for a Blue Card (similar to a Green Card in the US - GRID CARD) will have to prove that their annual income is 43,800 euros or more, and therefore they must find a job with this salary as a minimum.

In the IT sector, skilled workers without a university degree can also obtain an EU Blue Card if they can prove that they have at least three years of relevant professional experience. Nursing assistants with less than three years of nursing training will also be granted access to the German labor market.

Once in Germany, workers will also have greater flexibility to change their careers, although regulated professions – such as law and medicine – will still require the necessary qualifications.

More occupations shortage

Besides mathematics, IT, science, engineering and medicine, skilled workers from the following occupational groups can obtain the EU Blue Card at a minimum salary:

Managers in manufacturing, construction and logistics
Managers in the field of ICT
Managers in childcare and health care
Veterinarians
Dentists
Pharmacists
Certified nurses
Teachers and nursery staff in school and non-school contexts

The right of residence...more flexibility

Skilled workers with professional or academic qualifications who meet all the requirements are now entitled to a residence permit. Previously, diplomatic missions abroad and immigration authorities had discretionary powers to grant residency.

The Federal Employment Agency has been instructed to speed up the approval process for potential foreign workers. Experienced skilled workers will no longer need their qualifications recognized in Germany if they are already recognized by their country of origin and have at least two years of professional experience.

Further changes are scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2024.

If you have an EU Blue Card from another EU country, you can spend up to 90 days in Germany for work purposes without needing a visa. You do not need to apply for a work permit.

If you have held an EU Blue Card from another EU member state for 12 months or more, you can move to Germany without needing a visa. However, you must apply for a German EU Blue Card from the Immigration Office once you move to Germany.

Qualifications and training

Anyone who needs to undergo training to obtain a qualification in Germany that is equivalent to their equivalent foreign training can; Stay in Germany for up to three years and work up to 20 hours per week on the side. Part-time work will also be expanded in general to include students and trainees.

If employers in Germany agree, skilled workers can come directly to Germany and work while their qualifications are recognized. The residency can be extended for up to three years.

The basic requirements are a professional qualification of at least two years and at least an A2 level in the German language.

Family reunion

With regard to spouses and underage children, skilled workers must prove their ability to support their livelihood, and are waived the requirement to prove that their home is large enough.

From March 2024, they can also bring their parents or parents-in-law, if their residence permits are valid. Additional changes are scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2024.

If the family members of a skilled worker with an EU Blue Card live in another EU member state, the family does not need a visa and can live in Germany under their residence permit from the other EU country, and they no longer need to prove that their household is large enough sufficient and that they can cover their costs of living.

Chance card

The points-based Opportunity Card is due to be introduced in June for those with equivalent foreign qualifications. This will allow them to come to Germany for a year to look for work, as long as they can prove financial independence.

For others, a university degree or at least a two-year professional qualification will be required, as well as an A1 level in German or a B2 level in English.

Workers with an opportunity card can work up to 20 hours per week, including during the probationary period. The Opportunity Card can be extended for up to two years for those with an eligible employment contract.