Immigration

Germany | Implications of the National Once-Only Technical System (NOOTS) on skilled immigration

Summary

The introduction of the National Once-Only Technical System (NOOTS) marks a significant milestone in the digitalization of administrative processes in Germany. Following brief but intensive negotiations, the agreement was approved by the heads of the federal and state governments. It now requires formal signing by the federal government and the states, followed by ratification by the German Bundestag and state parliaments.

The detail

The aim of NOOTS is to make administrative procedures more efficient and user-friendly by ensuring that data from citizens and businesses is collected only once and subsequently utilized across various administrative processes. In addition, the once-only principle should also be usable beyond national borders; to this end, work is also underway on an EU OOTS, which NOOTS is largely based on.

What impact will NOOTS have on skilled immigration?

Skilled immigration to Germany is a central component of the strategy to address labor shortages. The efficiency of administrative processes plays a crucial role in this regard. NOOTS has the potential to bring about significant improvements:

1. Reduction of processing times: NOOTS enables the automated exchange of data between various authorities, such as immigration offices, employment agencies, and civil registries. This allows applications for visas, residence permits, or work permits to be processed more quickly. For companies looking to hire international professionals, this means a significant acceleration of processes.
2. Relief for companies and professionals: Professionals and their employers will no longer need to repeatedly submit the same documents. For example, data from commercial registers, tax records, or information about insurance periods can be directly retrieved from the respective authorities. This greatly reduces administrative burdens.
3. Increased transparency: Through the digitalization and standardization of procedures, professionals and companies gain better insights into the processing status of their applications. This enhances predictability and reliability when hiring international employees.
4. Improvement in Germany’s international attractiveness: A modern, digitalized administrative system is a crucial factor for a country’s appeal. Professionals, who often have the choice between several countries, are more likely to opt for a country with efficient and user-friendly procedures. NOOTS could therefore help make Germany a more attractive destination for highly qualified professionals.

Challenges and opportunities for businesses

Despite its advantages, the introduction of NOOTS also presents challenges. Businesses will need to adapt to new digital processes and ensure that their internal workflows are compatible with the system’s requirements. At the same time, there is an opportunity to optimize internal processes using the new technological possibilities, thereby gaining competitive advantages.

How we can help 

We are specialized in advising companies and professionals on all aspects of tax, social security and immigration. We assist you in leveraging the benefits of NOOTS to the fullest and guide you through:

• Optimizing your application processes for international professionals.
• Preparing for new digital administrative requirements.
• Ensuring the legally compliant use of data provided through NOOTS.

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

Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com

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