Immigration
Germany | Upcoming changes in March, and new thresholds for 2024
Summary
Starting March 1, 2024, German skilled worker immigration policies as well as working conditions for students, eligibility to German permanent residency and family reunion with parents and in-laws are to become more accessible and streamlined, facilitating easier conditions for qualified professionals and their families.
The Detail
Skilled Worker Permits Thresholds
For certain residence permits with work authorisation new salary thresholds apply in 2024 as follows:
Specialist permit
As of March 1, 2024, candidates with extensive work experience will have the possibility to apply for a residence permit, if they meet the salary threshold and have relevant work experience of at least 2 years within the last 5 years. In addition, proof of German language skills is no longer required. For all applicants working in the IT-sphere, further proof of qualification is not required. All other professions may have either a foreign professional qualification or university degree that is considered recognised in the state of issuance, or vocational qualification.
Permanent Residency
The requirements for a permanent residence permit have been lifted for holders of an EU Blue Card or academic skilled worker permits. In particular, EU Blue Card holders are eligible for a permanent residence permit after 21 months with a B1 level of German language skills or after 27 months (previously 33 months) with an A1 level of German language skills.
In addition, the required period of prior residence for skilled workers with a university degree has been reduced to 3 years (previously 4 years). Applicants must have a B1 German knowledge.
Family reunion with skilled workers
Further facilitations are also available regarding family reunification with holders of worker permits. Previously, it was only possible to reunite children with their parents up to their 18th birthday. Now a residence permit can also be granted to the parents and parents-in-law, if the first time issuance of residence permit for employment is after March 1, 2024. However, the livelihood of the parents or in-laws have to be secured and sufficient health insurance needs to be proven.
This option automatically ends on December 31, 2028.
Student permits
With the intention to facilitate and align the employment of foreign students with national ones, the conditions for employing holders of student residence permits have been adjusted to the regulations for working students. Therefore, students can now work alongside their studies for 140 (previously 120) full days OR 280 (previously 33 months) half days per calendar year. During the lecture period they are permitted to work 20 hours/week or 2 ½ days. Working during the semester break is permitted for an indefinite period, provided that the above conditions apply.
Furthermore, student permits will be granted for two years as a general rule and should not be issued for less than one year.
What this means
The changes to be in force starting March 1 increase opportunities and flexibility for foreigners residing in Germany or applying for an entry visa from abroad. Foreign students can now work more extensively alongside their studies, while families of skilled workers have greater possibilities for reunification. Additionally, the revised eligibility criteria for permanent residency offer a clearer path for foreigners to establish long-term residence and integration in Germany. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the experiences and opportunities for foreigners living in Germany.
How we can help
We assist our clients by advising on eligibility, documentation preparation and navigate legal prerequisites and changes that may impact current procedures. Staying informed about changes in immigration policies is essential for us. We offer comprehensive and up-to-date guidance to our clients.
Contact us
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Mostafa Massoud
Rechtsanwalt (Lawyer)
Inga Mayer
Rechtsanwältin (Lawyer)
Eva Witt
Rechtsanwältin (Lawyer)
Further information on Vialto Partners can be found on our website: www.vialtopartners.com
For additional alerts, please visit www.vialtopartners.com/regional-alerts
Contact us on the following address – me-immigration@vialto.com
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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Further information on Vialto Partners can be found here: www.vialtopartners.com
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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