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The amendments to the Skilled Immigration Act are intended to provide skilled workers from abroad with better opportunities for training, study, and work in Germany. These measures are designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in Germany and enhance the country’s appeal as a destination for qualified workers.
The amendments to the law will be implemented in three phases from November 2023 to June 2024. The third phase will take effect on June 1. These changes are summarized below:
Introduction of the Opportunity Card for Job Search:
- Third-country nationals who can demonstrate full equivalence of their foreign qualifications and are therefore considered “skilled workers” under Section 18(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) will receive the Opportunity Card without any further requirements.
- All others must provide proof of a foreign university degree, a vocational qualification of at least two years’ duration (each state-recognized in the country of training), or a vocational qualification issued by a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad. In addition, language proficiency in either German (Level A1 CEFR) or English (Level B2 CEFR) is required.
- Applicants can also earn points for the recognition of their qualifications in Germany, work experience, age, and other factors. A minimum of six points must be achieved to receive the Opportunity Card.
- The Opportunity Card is issued for one year if the applicant’s livelihood is secured. During the stay for job seeking, trial work or part-time employment is permitted. If the applicant is unable to obtain another residence permit (§§ 18–21 of the Residence Act) afterward but has an offer for qualified employment, the Opportunity Card may be extended for an additional two years.
- Points Table for the Opportunity Card:
Criteria | 4 points | 3 points | 2 points | 1 point |
Qualification | Partial recognition or decision with conditions |
|
| Qualification in a shortage occupation |
Language skills |
| German B2 | German B1 | German A2 or English C1 |
Work experience (related to the qualification) |
| At least 5 years in the last 7 years | At least 2 years within the last 5 years |
|
Age |
|
| ≤ 35 years | ≤ 40 years |
Lawful and uninterrupted prior residence in Germany |
|
|
| At least 6 months in the last 5 years |
Joint application for an Opportunity Card |
|
|
| together with a spouse or partner who meets the requirements for the Opportunity Card |
New Western Balkans Regulation:
- For nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia
- Entry to work in any occupation in non-regulated professions, regardless of qualifications (an employment contract must be concluded)
- Approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required
- Quota expanded to 50,000 per year (previously 25,000)
- Regulation made permanent as of 2024
Further information can be found in our information center as well as in our guides for companies and for consultants.
You can read the full text of the law here.