Skilled workers should be able to work in Germany more quickly and easily in future. The German government has passed a new law on the immigration of skilled labour, which aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. As part of these legislative changes, the earnings threshold for the Blue Card will be lowered. From now on, it will be possible to come to Germany as a skilled worker if you have two years of professional experience and a qualification in your home country.

An innovative new feature is the introduction of an opportunity card based on a points system. This opportunity card offers an additional possibility for qualified skilled workers to come to Germany and contribute their skills.

There is already a shortage of well-trained skilled workers in many regions and sectors. Around 1.98 million vacancies were recorded in 2022. The German government’s skilled labour strategy focuses intensively on tapping domestic potential. In doing so, the government aims to increase the labour market participation of women and older workers and to intensify training and further education. Despite these efforts, the federal government recognises the need for qualified immigration in order to meet the demand for skilled workers in Germany.

The most important changes in terms of:

Qualification: In future, anyone with a qualification will be able to take up employment with any qualification

Experience: Anyone with at least 2 years of professional experience can immigrate as a labourer. The professional qualification no longer has to be recognised in Germany. This means less bureaucracy and therefore shorter procedures.

Potential: There is also a new job search opportunity card based on a points system. The selection criteria include qualifications, German and English language skills, work experience and age.