Immigration

Germany | 2025 Federal election – Immigration under a new coalition

Summary

The results of the 2025 German federal election have positioned the CDU (28,5%) as the strongest party, followed by the AfD (20,8%), SPD (16,4%), the Greens (11,6%), and the Linke (8,8%). A coalition between the CDU and SPD appears very likely.

Based on their election programs and communications, significant changes in immigration and citizenship law are expected. The CDU favors stricter border controls, tougher asylum policies, and increased scrutiny of foreign labor, while the SPD may advocate for worker protections and selective skilled immigration policies.

This alert outline anticipated legislative shifts and their implications for corporate immigration, foreign employees, and businesses operating in Germany.

The detail

1. Immigration Policy: Stricter Controls on Residence and Work Permits

• Asylum and Refugees: The CDU is likely to tighten asylum procedures, leading to faster deportations and more restrictive eligibility criteria. The SPD may push for humanitarian exceptions, but an overall restrictive approach is expected.
• Skilled Immigration:
  • Stricter qualification recognition and perhaps stricter labor market tests.
  • Potential revision of the Opportunity Card (“Chancenkarte”) to limit access.
  • More scrutiny on short-term work permits.
• EU Blue Card & Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs):
  • Higher salary thresholds.
  • Stricter compliance and renewal requirements.
  • Additional integration conditions for long-term residence.
• Business and Investment Visas: Increased oversight of entrepreneur visas and self-employment permits, with a focus on economic viability and compliance audits.

2. Citizenship Law: Possible Reversal of Recent Reforms

• The CDU has opposed the recently introduced dual citizenship and fast-track naturalization rules, which allowed:
  • Naturalization after five years (or three in special cases).
  • Dual citizenship for non-EU nationals.
• Possible policy changes under a CDU-led government:
  • Longer residency requirements (potentially back to eight years).
  • Stricter language and integration requirements.
  • Restrictions on dual citizenship, possibly reinstating single nationality rules for certain non-EU nationals.
• The SPD may try to maintain some of the recent reforms, leading to compromise legislation rather than a complete rollback.

Challenges and opportunities for businesses

Challenges

• Increased compliance burden: Stricter work permit and visa requirements may lead to longer processing times and more administrative hurdles.
• Higher salary thresholds and labor market tests could make it harder to recruit foreign talent.
• Citizenship restrictions may discourage long-term retention of skilled international workers.

Opportunities

• Early naturalization applications: Businesses should encourage eligible employees to apply for citizenship before policy changes take effect.
• Review immigration policies: Companies should assess workforce planning to align with potential visa and residence permit restrictions.
• Stronger legal compliance: Investing in immigration audits and compliance strategies will help businesses navigate upcoming changes.

How we can help

We recommend monitoring legislative developments and preparing for potential regulatory shifts. Vialto will continue to provide updates and guidance on corporate immigration strategy under the new government.
In addition, we are available as your point of contact to clarify open questions and develop tailored solutions. Feel free to contact us to learn more about how we can support you in navigating skilled immigration effectively.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Mostafa Massoud
Partner

Eva Witt
Manager

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Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

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