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TELL US: What do you think of Germany’s new immigration reform plans?

Germany is speeding ahead with plans to loosen up immigration rules for skilled workers. What do you think of the reforms - and could anything be improved? Let us know for a future article.

Published: 13 July 2023 16:37 CEST
Updated: 16 July 2023 08:02 CEST

A man works in a factory in Dresden.

A man works in a factory in Dresden. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Kahnert

As the Germans would say: es ist soweit. The government’s sweeping immigration reforms have been passed by both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat, and all that remains is to sign it into law.

The Skilled Worker Immigration Act is designed to make it simpler, quicker and easier for qualified people to move to Germany. In future, for example, people will only need two years of professional experience and two years of academic training to qualify for a skilled worker visa, as opposed to needing a qualification in a specific field.

They will also have the opportunity to come to Germany to look for work on a new points-based visa known as an Opportunity Card. The salary threshold for getting an EU Blue Card will be lowered, and international students will also be able to work alongside their studies in order to finance themselves while in Germany.

People will also benefit from more relaxed family reunification laws, and people who move to Germany after March 1st, 2024, will be allowed to bring their parents and parents-in-law to live with them.

If you need a refresher on any of the details of the law, check out our recent articles:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on some of these changes and what, in your view, Germany could improve about its immigration law.

Let us know your opinion by filling in the survey below.

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How Germany's 'opportunity card' will allow easier entry for foreign workers from June

Starting June 1st, non-EU citizens will be allowed to come to Germany to look for a job for one year with the Chancenkarte, or Opportunity Card.

The Chancenkarte is intended to make it easier for foreign skilled workers to immigrate to Germany and find employment.

Originally announced in 2022, the opportunity card comes as one of several immigration policy changes that the traffic-light coalition government has dreamed up to try to attract badly needed young workers.

Another major immigration policy change came in the form of Germany’s new rules for naturalisation, which will come into effect on June 27th.

With its ageing population, Germany is estimated to need at least 400,000 new skilled workers each year to fill its growing shortage.

READ ALSO: Better childcare to quicker visas – How Germany wants to attract more workers

What is allowed with a Chancenkarte?

Germany’s new Opportunity Card essentially works like a temporary visa or work permit, but with some specific limitations.

Namely, it allows foreign nationals to enter and reside in the Bundesrepublik for up to one year.

Opportunity Card holders are also permitted to work part-time jobs (up to 20 hours per week), or to take on two-week trial work.

The idea here being that companies that need specific roles filled can hire foreign workers for part-time roles from abroad more easily – assisting their entry into Germany via the Opportunity Card.

Alternatively, skilled workers can come to Germany to seek employment, and are then free to start work at a part-time level or on a short-term trial.

READ ALSO: Germany ranked fifth most popular destination for foreign workers

Should opportunity card holders want to work full-time, they can then apply for longer-term residency. In this case, being an Opportunity Card holder with a job offer makes one a prime candidate for a residence permit.

Who qualifies for the Chancenkarte?

The most basic requirement for a Chancenkarte is having completed at least two years of vocational training, or having a university degree from your country of origin that is relevant to your vocation, as well as language skills in German or English.

You also need to prove that you are financially secure – having enough money to finance your stay in Germany. This would amount to a little over €12,000 for the year, or it can otherwise be proven by means of an employment contract, if you already have a job offer

Provided you meet the basic requirements, your language skills, professional experience, age and connection to Germany will also be considered.

PODCAST: What is Germany’s planned points-based visa?

These factors are measured with a points-based system. Successful applicants will need to achieve at least six points according to the following qualifications:

4 points are given if your foreign professional qualification is recognised in Germany, or if you have permission to practise a regulated profession (e.g. educator, nurse or engineer). Note that very few applicants meet these criteria.

3 points:
- If you have five years of professional experience in your field (within the last seven years).
- For B2 level German language skills.

2 points:
- If you have two years of professional experience with previous vocational training (within the last five years).
- If you are not older than 35 at the time your application is submitted.
- For B1 German language skills.

1 point:
- If you are not older than 40 at the time your application is submitted.
- If you previously stayed in Germany for at least six months (excluding tourist stays).
- For C1 English language skills.
- For A2 German language skills.
- If you are trained in a ‘bottleneck occupation’ (meaning an occupation where there is a shortage of workers in Germany).
- If you apply for the opportunity together with a spouse.

You can find more information on this website, including a questionnaire to see if you are qualified.

You can apply for the Opportunity Card with the German Consulate in your country, or at your local Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany.

READ ALSO: What happens to your work permit if you lose your job in Germany?

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