Germany is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers like never before.
According to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), in 2022, Germany experienced a labor drop of about 1.74 million vacancies across Germany.
The result of this was that more than half of the companies in Germany were affected, which caused a partial halt in operation.
The solution to this was/is to fill up the vacancies with skilled international workers; however, the bureaucracy isn’t friendly, hence the need for an amendment in the German Immigration law with the hope of reaching 60,000 skilled immigrants per year.
This article is aimed at enlightening you on how the new German immigration law will help you in November 2023, March 2024, and June 2024.
The New Germany Immigration Law in November 2023
As of the time of writing this article, the first phase of the New Germany Immigration Law has taken effect on November 18, 2023, and here are some changes that were made:
- Lower salary thresholds
- Easier access for IT specialists without degrees
- More low-threshold careers
- Visa-free entry with EU Blue Card from other EU countries
- Lowering barriers to families
#1. Lower Salary Thresholds for the Blue Card
The New Germany Immigration Law brings to a minimum the salary threshold for EU Blue Card holders.
The blue card is a visa type that allows highly skilled internationals to live and work in Germany.
The salary threshold for entry-level workers and bottleneck jobs is now at €39,682.80 per annum, while for high-class careers, the threshold is at €43,800 per year.
This is the minimum amount a non-EU citizen must be worth to be eligible to be employed in Germany.
#2. Easier access for IT specialists without degrees
As an IT specialist, your skill set plus 3 years of experience is all you need to obtain the blue card—that’s if you don’t have a degree.
Therefore, your competence merits the blue card. Again, the lowered threshold remains the same.
#3. More Lowered Threshold Careers
In November 2023, there will be more careers with lowered salary thresholds, making it possible for a vast pool of professionals to get the Blue Card. These careers include:
- Managers in manufacturing, construction, and logistics
- Managers in IT and telecommunications
- Managers in childcare and healthcare
- Vets
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Nurses with a degree
- Teachers and nursery staff in school and non-school contexts
#4. Visa-free entry with EU Blue Card from other EU countries
Citizens from any of the EU countries with Blue Cards can live and work in Germany for 90 days visa-free. Added to that, you’re not required to present a work permit.
Another side to it is that if you have held a blue card from any of the EU countries for at least 12 months, you can enter Germany for work purposes with a visa, work permit, or blue card.
However, you’ll be required to fill in for the blue card once in Germany.
#5. Lowering Barriers To Families
Your family living in other EU countries is free to live with you in Germany, provided that you’re a skilled worker in Germany and have a Blue Card.
Your family won’t need a visa nor would you prove that you’re buoyant enough to cover living expenses.
However, they need to have a residence permit from the EU Country they were living in.
The New Germany Immigration Law in March 2024
Here are some changes in the Germany Immigration Law that’ll be in effect in March 2024:
- Skilled workers with practical work experience
- Nurses and carers from non-EU states
- Residence for recognition of foreign vocational qualifications
#1. Skilled workers with practical work experience
Job offers would be merited based on experience with a vocational qualification recognized by the issuing country.
However, employees should have at least 2 years of experience in the field and 2 years of vocational training in the area of work.
#2. Nurses and carers from non-EU states
Before the position for nurses or carers was for nurses with 3 years of training, in March 2024, with 2 or 1 years experience as a nursing assistant is eligible for permanent positions in the healthcare sector.
The condition is that the worker should be trained as a nurse in Germany or have held a nurse degree abroad that’s recognized in Germany.
#3. Residence for recognition of foreign vocational qualifications
In some regulated professions such as nursing and education, workers still undergoing vocational training can travel to Germany and can secure a job before certification.
This will require that the worker enter into a “recognition partnership” with the employer.
Find how foreign vocational qualifications are recognized here.
The New Germany Immigration Law in June 2024
By June 2024, Germany Immigration Law will allow finding work with an Opportunity Card.
The opportunity card is a permit for workers from non-EU states to live and work in Germany.
The only barrier is that workers must hold a University degree from abroad or a 2-year vocational training certificate.
Also, there’ll be proof of language proficiency such as A1 in basic German skills or B2 in English skills with at least 6 points needed to get an Opportunity Card.
FAQs
#1. What are the requirements to migrate to Germany?
The basic requirements to migrate to Germany are:
- Prove financial stability.
- Have health insurance.
- Have at least basic proficiency in German.
- Get a German visa.
#2. How to get German Immigration Lawyers?
You can get German Immigration Lawyers by searching online, referrals, and visiting their office if you’re in Germany.
Conclusion
The New German Immigration Law doesn’t in any way clear the need that you must first have a valid job offer from Germany and a visa to enter.
An exemption is for citizens from EU countries, under certain circumstances, too.
Rather, what the law does is diminish the bureaucracy, making the process easier and faster.
The new improvement in Germany is an attempt to make up for the labor shortage of skilled professionals in Germany, meaning, there’s a high chance of securing a life and career in Germany.