Germany is in high demand for foreign workers, so the German work visas have been issued to about 80,000 foreigners this year. Almost half of these (40,000) have been allotted to the skilled workers.
Germany has been undergoing immense changes in its immigration rules since 2020, and since then many changes have been announced for the EU Blue Card, Job search visa, skilled workers visa, and citizenship in 5 years of stay.
As per the German news show Tagesschau and DPA news agency, in the same period last year, around 37,000 visas were issued to skilled workers. If the pace kept to this range, the Federal Government might break its record of issuing work visas in high numbers in 2023 (157,000).
Germany has had a skilled worker immigration law since 2020 to promote the influx of qualified workers. In November 2023, the first part of a reform of this law passed by the traffic light coalition came into force.
It mainly included simplifications for the “Blue Card EU” and for recognized skilled workers. The so-called opportunity card, which was introduced on June 1, has not yet had a major impact on the number of migrant workers. So far, almost 200 visas have been issued under this legal basis, according to the Foreign Office.
The prerequisite for the “Opportunity Card” is state-recognized vocational training of at least two years in the country of employment or a corresponding university degree as well as language skills in German or English. Depending on the language level, professional experience, age, and connection to Germany, interested parties receive points that entitle them to receive the “Opportunity Card”. Points are also awarded for qualifications in shortage occupations. Anyone with enough points can come to Germany and then have a year to look for a permanent job. Under certain conditions, a one-time extension of two years is possible.
Since March, skilled workers with a degree and professional experience have been able to enter and work in Germany without a prior recognition procedure. So they do not yet have to show that they have a training course recognized in Germany, but a job offer with a gross annual salary of at least 40,770 euros – if the employer is bound by a collective agreement, remuneration by the collective agreement is sufficient.
Stages of German Immigration Rules Implementation
| First Round | Second Round | Third Round | Fourth Round |
The first stage of the new regulations for skilled immigration came into force in November 2023. It mainly included facilitation for the “EU Blue Card” and for recognized skilled workers. | Starting on March 1, 2024, the main beneficiaries will be applicants with two years of experience, nurses, and students. Secondly, foreigners can move to Germany for employment by fulfilling certain requirements. | Opportunity Card has begun on 1 June 2024 allowing the candidates to apply for this one-year visa if they have a degree or vocational qualification. | Start of famous and most awaited citizenship law from 26 June 2024 where apply can apply for German nationality after only 5 years of stay in the country. |