Labor Migration Law & Skilled Immigration Germany
VISAGUARD.Berlin - All information on the legal requirements for labor migration and skilled immigration in Germany.
Skilled Immigration Germany
On this page you will find all relevant information on applying for a work visa, an EU Blue Card, a settlement permit (including a European settlement permit), expat law (employment law for foreigners) and job-searching visas.
This information on skilled immigration includes in particular:
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Requirements Work visa, EU Blue Card, settlement permit (skilled workers), job-searching visa
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Necessary documents Work visa, EU Blue Card, settlement permit (skilled workers), job-searching visa
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Application process, processing time and deadline for work visa, EU Blue Card, settlement permit (skilled workers), job-searching visa
What is skilled immigration?
In public discussions, the right of residence is often equated with humanitarian right of residence, especially asylum law. However, there is another important but less noticed dimension of the right of residence: economic migration. In addition to humanitarian residence permits, the Residence Act (AufenthG) also provides for regulations for the targeted immigration of skilled workers in order to promote the economic and labor market interests of the Federal Republic of Germany (see Section 1 AufenthG ).
The legal area of skilled immigration or labor migration law covers the conditions and procedures for issuing residence permits to foreign skilled workers and workers . These include:
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work visa,
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Residence permit for skilled workers,
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Settlement permit for long-term labor migration/skilled immigration.
What are skilled workers?
According to Section 18 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act , anyone who has one of the following qualifications is recognized as a skilled worker:
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A domestic qualified vocational training , or
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An equivalent foreign professional qualification (including academic degrees).
In view of the shortage of skilled workers, targeted recruitment from abroad is essential for many companies. The current legal simplifications, in particular the Skilled Immigration Act, make it easier for qualified specialists to enter the country and gain access to the labor market. For companies, this means simplified application procedures and better planning when recruiting staff.
How is skilled immigration regulated in Germany?
Skilled immigration in Germany is primarily regulated by the Residence Act (AufenthG) and the Employment Ordinance (BeschV). Section 4 of the Residence Act deals with residence for the purpose of employment and begins with the principle of skilled immigration ( Section 18 AufenthG ). Other important regulations, particularly those relating to the procedures at the Federal Employment Agency and the requirements for sending skilled workers to Germany, can be found in the Employment Ordinance.
Important residence permits for skilled workers
The term skilled immigration includes in particular the following residence permits:
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skilled workers with professional and academic training (§§ 18a, 18b AufenthG)
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EU Blue Card (§ 18g AufenthG)
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researchers (§§ 18d ff. AufenthG)
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ICT card (§§ 19 ff. AufenthG)
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Special activities pursuant to Section 19c of the Residence Act and Section 21 of the Residence Act
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Permanent residence options for skilled workers (§ 18c AufenthG)
Do you need an Immigration-Lawyer?
Do you have questions about German immigration and immigration law ? Our cooperating lawyers for visa and residence issues will answer all questions about your case in a video call. Of course, we are also happy to support you in residence procedures and immigration matters before embassies, immigration authorities and administrative courts.
Contact us to book an initial consultation on your case with a German visa lawyer !
Development of skilled immigration laws
The legal regulations on skilled immigration were introduced through various skilled immigration laws . However, these are not directly applicable legal norms, but rather article laws that have modified the Residence Act and the Employment Ordinance.
Important skilled immigration laws:
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1. Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) of 15 August 2019 (PDF) : Facilitating the immigration of qualified skilled workers from third countries, new regulation of the residence permit for skilled workers, facilitation for professionally qualified people.
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2. Skilled Immigration Act (FEG) of August 16, 2023 (PDF): Introduction of the recognition partnership, the opportunity card and other simplifications for skilled workers with professional experience.
Central Office for Skilled Immigration NRW
An essential part of the accelerated skilled worker procedure are the central immigration authorities , which carry out the procedure in the respective federal states. The Central Office for Skilled Immigration North Rhine-Westphalia (ZFE NRW) is particularly present. This processes a large number of applications from nursing staff, as NRW is an important medical location. You can find more information about the accelerated skilled worker procedure in NRW on the ZFE NRW homepage .
Importance of skilled immigration for employers
In view of the shortage of skilled workers, targeted recruitment from abroad is essential for many companies. The legal simplifications provided by the skilled worker immigration laws make it easier for qualified specialists to enter the country and gain access to the labor market. For companies, this means simplified application procedures and better planning when recruiting staff. The guides below provide skilled workers and companies with the information they need to carry out skilled worker immigration quickly and legally.
VISAGUARD Guides Skilled Immigration
FAQ Skilled Immigration
What is meant by skilled immigration?
Skilled immigration refers to the targeted immigration of qualified workers from abroad to Germany. It is regulated by the Skilled Immigration Act (FEG), which is integrated into the Residence Act (AufenthG), and is intended to help companies fill vacancies with suitable foreign skilled workers.
What requirements must foreign skilled workers meet?
In order to immigrate to Germany as a skilled worker, foreign workers must generally meet the following requirements:
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A recognized qualification (professional qualification or university degree)
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An employment contract / job offer with sufficient salary
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If necessary: A professional practice permit
What visa categories are there for skilled workers?
The main types of visas for skilled workers include:
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EU Blue Card
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visa for employment as an academic professional
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Visa for employment as a skilled worker with vocational training
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Opportunity Map for Skilled Workers
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ICT cards and postings
What role does the recognition of foreign qualifications play for skilled workers?
The recognition of a foreign professional or university degree is often decisive for the issuance of a visa. This applies in particular to skilled workers with vocational training (Section 18a of the Residence Act). Skilled workers must check whether their degree is equivalent in Germany or whether an additional qualification is required. Recognition is carried out by official bodies such as the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or the relevant chambers.
Which sectors particularly benefit from skilled immigration?
Specialists are particularly in demand in the following areas:
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IT & software development
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Engineering & Technology
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health and care professions
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Management and Finance
What are the challenges of skilled immigration?
Common challenges for professionals and companies in recognition procedures are:
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Long processing times for visas and recognition procedures
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Bureaucratic hurdles in Germany
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language barriers in integration
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Lack of advice for employers and skilled workers
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High requirements for evidence and documents
Important documents on skilled immigration to Germany
Important online services for skilled immigration to Germany
Important information on skilled immigration to Germany
Summary of this Page
On this page (overview of the topic of work visas in Germany) you have learned the basics of skilled immigration law and the immigration of skilled workers in Germany. The page provides an overview of German skilled immigration and lists our VISAGUARD step-by-step instructions and guides on the topic of work migration and work visas in Germany. This page also contains a list of the most important documents, information and links on skilled immigration.
