Germany has reformed its immigration law. The major ambition of the modernization is to attract more skilled workers from abroad.
In summer 2023, the German Parliament passed a government bill for an update of the German immigration law. It was published in the Federal Law Gazette mid-August 2023. At the end of August 2023, the Geman Federal Government issued an ordinance containing further implementing provisions.
The modernization of the Skilled Immigration Act creates new opportunities to enter Germany for employment or training. The act provides for a three-pillar model on which skilled labor immigration is to be based:
- skilled labor,
- experience, and
- potential.
Most of the new provisions will come into force in early 2024. Certain provisions, for instance many related to the EU Blue Card, will be applicable already as of mid-November 2023.
Skilled labor force
Skilled labor remains the central element of immigration in the act. In general, the law provides for greater flexibility. In future, skilled workers with a degree acquired or recognized in Germany will be able to pursue any form of qualified employment - and not just in the sector in which they acquired their degree.
Recognition of professional qualifications
Recognition of the professional qualification in Germany will also be possible after entry into the country. For this purpose, skilled workers and employers must agree on a recognition partnership. This allows employers to employ qualified staff from non-EU-countries more quickly. The employee can also complete the recognition procedure in Germany and take up a qualified employment post from the very first day of arrival.
The EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card will be made available to a greater number of skilled workers as a result of a proposed general lowering of the salary threshold. In addition, the scope of the EU Blue Card for professions in special demand will be significantly expanded. For instance, managerial staff in the production of goods or in logistics, as well as an extended group of healthcare professionals will be included. These groups will benefit from an even lower salary threshold.
Another new feature is that IT specialists without a university degree will be able to obtain an EU Blue Card under certain conditions where they can provide evidence of certain non-formal qualifications. It will also become easier for EU Blue Card holders to change employers in general.
Recognizing professional experience
Immigration of workers with at least two years of professional experience and a professional qualification recognized in their country of origin will be allowed. To be eligible for this facilitation, a certain salary threshold must be reached or the employer must be bound by collective bargaining agreements. An abolishment of the need to recognize professional qualifications in Germany for this group means less bureaucracy and shorter procedures. It is sufficient that the German responsible authority confirms that the degree is recognized in the country in which it was obtained. Where the conditions are not met, recognition of the professional qualifications in Germany is still required.
"Opportunity Card" for job seekers
An "Opportunity Card" will be introduced for people who do not yet have a concrete job offer but who have potential for the labor market. This will be based on a points system that includes criteria made up of formal qualifications including knowledge of German and English, professional experience, links to Germany, age, and employment potential of life partners or spouses.
The opportunity card facilitates the search for a job. Employment of up to twenty hours per week - including trial employment with a future employer for up to two weeks - is already permitted during the job search.
Are you looking for international skilled workers?
If you want to attract international skilled workers, the Quick Check for employers from "Make it in Germany" - the German government's portal for skilled workers from abroad - will show you how to search for, recruit and integrate skilled workers living abroad.
