Germany's Skilled Immigration Act 2024: New Pathways for Global Talent in 2025

A Comprehensive Reform of Immigration Laws

Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act 2024 is a game-changer for the country’s immigration policies. This law is designed to attract skilled workers from outside the European Union (EU) by making the immigration process smoother and faster.

The act is a major update to Germany’s immigration laws. It simplifies the process for skilled workers to get visas and work permits, even if their qualifications are not recognized in Germany. This change is crucial for addressing labor shortages in key sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering.

Easier Employment for Skilled Workers with Professional Experience

Significant updates to the act were made in March 2024, further simplifying the process for skilled workers from outside the EU. These changes make it easier for foreign professionals with at least two years of relevant experience to secure employment in Germany, even if their qualifications are not formally recognized.

Key requirements include:

• Professional Experience

  At least two years of relevant experience.

• Qualification

  A vocational or university degree recognized by the state in the country of origin.

• Salary Requirements

  Compliance with a salary threshold or alignment with collective agreements.

Recognition Partnership for Regulated Professions

For jobs that require formal qualification recognition, like those in healthcare, the process can now start after the worker arrives in Germany. Through a recognition partnership, both the employer and employee commit to completing the recognition process quickly. This allows the skilled worker to start working immediately while pursuing formal recognition.

Short-Term Employment Quotas

The updated act also introduced a quota for short-term employment in high-demand sectors. For 2024, the Federal Employment Agency has set a quota of 25,000 foreign workers. The main conditions are:

• Minimum Work Hours

  Employment must be for at least 30 hours per week.

• Collective Agreement Compliance

  Employers must follow collective agreements on pay and working conditions.

• Travel Costs

  Employers are responsible for covering the travel expenses of these workers.

Opportunities for Students and Trainees

The Skilled Immigration Act also opens new opportunities for international students and trainees, recognizing their importance in Germany's future workforce.

• Increased Working Hours

  International students can now work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year or up to 20 hours per week. This provides more financial stability during their studies.

• Job-Seeking Visas for Graduates

  Graduates from nursing and healthcare professions can apply for a jobseeker’s visa, which allows them to stay in Germany for up to 12 months while they search for employment.

• Vocational Training

  The act raises the age limit for those seeking vocational training from 25 to 35 and lowers the language requirements to level B1. This makes it easier for a broader group of applicants to enter the German job market.