New skilled immigration act germany

The New Skilled Immigration Act (Neues Skilled Immigration Act) is a law that came into effect in Germany on March 1, 2020. The law aims to simplify and accelerate the process of granting residence permits to skilled workers from non-EU countries. Here are some key aspects of the new law:

Key Changes:

  1. Simplified Application Process: The new law introduces a more streamlined application process, which reduces the number of required documents and eliminates the need for a separate application for a residence permit.
  2. Faster Processing: The processing time for applications has been significantly reduced, with a goal of issuing a decision within 6-12 months.
  3. Broader Eligibility: The law expands the list of eligible occupations, making it easier for skilled workers to qualify for a residence permit.
  4. Points-Based System: The new law introduces a points-based system, which assesses applicants based on their qualifications, work experience, language skills, and other factors.
  5. Higher Salary Threshold: The minimum salary threshold for skilled workers has been increased to €44,304 per year (gross).
  6. Simplified Language Requirements: The law relaxes language requirements, allowing applicants to demonstrate language proficiency in German or English.
  7. Electronic Application: The application process is now electronic, making it more efficient and reducing the risk of errors.

Eligible Occupations:

The new law includes a list of eligible occupations, which are divided into three categories:

  1. Shortage Occupations: These are occupations that are in high demand in Germany, such as IT specialists, engineers, and healthcare professionals.
  2. Highly Skilled Occupations: These are occupations that require a high level of education and expertise, such as scientists, researchers, and artists.
  3. Specialized Occupations: These are occupations that require specialized training or experience, such as craftsmen, technicians, and skilled workers in the manufacturing sector.

Benefits:

The New Skilled Immigration Act aims to attract highly skilled workers to Germany, which is expected to benefit the country's economy and society. Some of the benefits include:

  1. Economic Growth: The law is expected to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Germany's economic growth and innovation.
  2. Labor Market Needs: The law addresses labor market needs by providing a more efficient and effective way to recruit skilled workers.
  3. Diversity and Inclusion: The law promotes diversity and inclusion by attracting skilled workers from around the world, which can enrich German society and culture.

Challenges:

While the New Skilled Immigration Act aims to simplify and accelerate the process of granting residence permits, there are still challenges to be addressed. Some of the challenges include:

  1. Bureaucratic Hurdles: The application process may still be complex and time-consuming, which can be frustrating for applicants.
  2. Language Barriers: While the law relaxes language requirements, language barriers may still exist, which can affect the ability of skilled workers to integrate into German society.
  3. Integration Challenges: Skilled workers may still face challenges integrating into German society, including finding housing, accessing healthcare, and navigating the education system.

Overall, the New Skilled Immigration Act is a significant step forward in simplifying and accelerating the process of granting residence permits to skilled workers in Germany. However, there are still challenges to be addressed to ensure that the law achieves its goals and benefits both Germany and the skilled workers who come to the country.