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The amendments to the Skilled Immigration Act are intended to offer qualified specialists from abroad better opportunities for training, studying and working in Germany. These measures are intended to combat the shortage of skilled labour in Germany and increase Germany's attractiveness as a destination for qualified specialists.
The amendments to the law will be implemented in three stages from November 2023 to June 2024. The third stage will come into force on 1 June. These changes are summarised below:
Introduction of the Opportunity Card for the purpose of seeking employment:
- Third-country nationals who can prove that their foreign qualification is fully equivalent and are therefore deemed to be ‘qualified specialists’ in accordance with Section 18 (3) AufenthG will receive the Opportunity Card without any further requirements.
- All others must provide proof of a foreign university degree, a vocational qualification lasting at least two years (recognised by the state in the country of training) or a vocational qualification issued by a German chamber of commerce abroad. In addition, either German (level A1 CEFR) or English (level B2 CEFR) language skills are required.
- You can also collect points for the recognition of qualifications in Germany, professional experience, age and other aspects. At least six points must be achieved in order to receive the Opportunity Card.
- The Opportunity Card is issued for one year if you are able to support yourself. During the period of residence to look for a job, a trial job or part-time employment is possible. If you are then unable to obtain another employment title (§§ 18 to 21 of the Residence Act), but have an offer of qualified employment, the Opportunity Card can be extended for a further two years.
- Points table for the Opportunity Card:
Criteria | 4 points | 3 points | 2 points | 1 point |
Qualification | Partial recognition or notification with conditions |
|
| Qualification in a bottleneck occupation |
Language skills |
| German B2 | German B1 | German A2 or English C1 |
Professional experience (related to the qualification) |
| At least 5 years in the last 7 years | At least 2 years in the last 5 years |
|
Age |
|
| ≤ 35 years | ≤ 40 years |
Lawful and uninterrupted previous stay in Germany |
|
|
| at least 6 months in the last 5 years
|
Joint application for Opportunity Card |
|
|
| together with spouse or civil partner who meets the Opportunity Card requirements |
New Western Balkans regulation:
- For nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia
- Entry to pursue any employment in non-regulated professions, regardless of qualification (employment contract must be concluded)
- Approval from the Federal Employment Agency required
- Quota extended to 50,000 per year (previously 25,000)
- Cancellation of time limit from 2024
You can find more information in our Information library as well as in our handouts for companies and advisors.
The full text of the law can be read here.