Introduction
Welcome to an in-depth exploration of the latest immigration laws in Germany, designed to facilitate the lives of skilled immigrants. These changes aim to reduce bureaucracy, making it faster and easier for skilled professionals to move to Germany. Whether you're a graduate, a professional with vocational training, or someone looking to reunite with family, this blog will walk you through all the new opportunities and requirements.
Understanding Skilled Immigrants
The new Skilled Immigration Act includes graduates and individuals with vocational training qualifications under the category of skilled professionals. The labor market in Germany has a significant gap between the number of available positions and the skilled workers required to fill them. This gap indicates a high demand for skilled workers, which is expected to increase in the future.
Introducing the New Visa
One of the major changes is the introduction of a new visa that allows individuals to move to Germany without a job offer. Unlike the existing Jobseeker Visa, which requires applicants to show a blocked account with substantial funds, this new Opportunity Card does not have such requirements. Additionally, this visa allows part-time work, which is not permitted under the Jobseeker Visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the Opportunity Card
The Opportunity Card is based on a points system, similar to Canada's PR system. The criteria for obtaining this visa include:
Language Skills: Applicants should have at least B2 level English and A1 level German. These can be demonstrated through standardized tests such as IELTS for English and Goethe exams for German.
Work Experience: A minimum of two years of work experience or vocational training.
Previous Visits to Germany: Prior visits to Germany can earn additional points.
Age: Applicants should be under 35 years of age. If between 35 to 40, having lived in Germany for six months in the past (excluding travel stays) can still make one eligible.
To qualify for the Opportunity Card, applicants need to accumulate at least six points based on the criteria mentioned above. This visa will be available for application starting June this year and can initially be used for up to one year, with the possibility of extension for up to two years.
Changes to the Blue Card
The Blue Card is a visa that allows skilled professionals to stay in Germany long-term, up to four years. Recent changes have made it easier to obtain by lowering the salary threshold. Previously set above €50,000, it has now been reduced to €43,000, making it accessible with a lower salary. For jobs in shortage occupations, the threshold is even lower at €41,000.
Easier Employer Change Process
Previously, Blue Card holders had to stay with their employer for at least two years and inform the authorities whenever changing jobs. Now, if a Blue Card holder changes their job within the first 12 months of their contract, they only need to inform the authorities, who have 30 days to object. After 12 months, there is no need to inform the authorities about job changes.
Family Reunion Laws
The requirements for family reunification have also been relaxed. Previously, sufficient living space had to be shown, which is no longer required. This change makes it easier for families to reunite without the added burden of finding large apartments in a tight housing market.
Permanent Residence for Parents and In-laws
A significant change is the allowance for EU Blue Card holders to bring their parents or in-laws to Germany permanently. This was previously not permitted and provides relief for those who have elderly parents or in-laws who need care and wish to live with their family in Germany.
Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Germany has made it easier to obtain permanent residency (PR) and citizenship. Previously, it required five years of residence, but now skilled professionals can apply for PR in just three years if they have C1 level German language skills and are well integrated into society. For those with B1 level skills, the requirement remains five years.
EU Blue Card holders can now apply for PR after 27 months, reduced from 33 months, with at least A1 level German. If you have B2 level German, this timeline also applies. Additionally, you must show sufficient living space and financial stability.
For citizenship, the requirement has been reduced to five years of residence, down from eight years. Germany also now allows dual citizenship, subject to the applicant's home country permitting it. However, countries like India and Pakistan do not currently allow dual citizenship, meaning applicants from these countries would need to renounce their original citizenship to obtain German citizenship.
Children's Citizenship
Rules for children's citizenship have been relaxed. Now, it's sufficient for one parent to have been legally living in Germany for at least five years at the time of the child's birth. Previously, at least one parent had to be a German citizen.
Conclusion
These new laws in Germany represent significant progress towards making the country more accessible to skilled immigrants. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, lowering salary thresholds, and providing more opportunities for family reunification, Germany is positioning itself as an attractive destination for skilled professionals from around the world. Whether you are looking to move for work, bring your family, or secure long-term residency and citizenship, these changes offer a clearer and more supportive path to achieving your goals.
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