Germany new immigration law

Germany has introduced several changes to its immigration laws in recent years to attract skilled workers and address labor shortages. Here are some key updates:

  1. Skilled Workers Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz): Introduced in 2020, this law aims to attract highly skilled workers in shortage occupations, such as IT, healthcare, and engineering. The law provides a faster and more streamlined process for skilled workers to obtain a residence permit.
  2. Simplified procedure for skilled workers: The law introduces a simplified procedure for skilled workers to obtain a residence permit, which reduces the processing time from 6-12 months to 2-3 months.
  3. New categories for skilled workers: The law introduces new categories for skilled workers, including:
    • Highly skilled workers: Those with a university degree and at least 3 years of professional experience.
    • Skilled workers: Those with a vocational training certificate and at least 2 years of professional experience.
    • Specialized workers: Those with specialized knowledge or skills in a specific field.
  4. Points-based system: The law introduces a points-based system to assess the qualifications and skills of skilled workers. The system awards points for factors such as education, work experience, language skills, and job offer.
  5. Job offer requirement: Skilled workers must have a job offer from a German employer to be eligible for a residence permit.
  6. Language requirements: Skilled workers must demonstrate a certain level of German language proficiency (B1 level) to be eligible for a residence permit.
  7. Integration requirements: Skilled workers must demonstrate their willingness to integrate into German society by taking an integration course and passing a language test.
  8. Family reunification: The law allows skilled workers to bring their family members to Germany, including spouses, children, and parents.
  9. Electronic residence permit: The law introduces an electronic residence permit, which replaces the traditional paper-based permit.
  10. Streamlined process for entrepreneurs: The law simplifies the process for entrepreneurs to start a business in Germany, including a faster and more streamlined procedure for obtaining a residence permit.

These changes aim to attract more skilled workers to Germany and address labor shortages in key industries. However, the law also includes stricter requirements and integration measures to ensure that immigrants integrate into German society.