Everything that Changes about Immigration in Germany in 2024
This year, Germany is making big changes to its immigration and citizenship rules. From new visas for job seekers to faster ways to become a permanent resident, 2024 is shaping up to be a big year for immigrants. In this guide, we’ll go over all the key changes so you can understand what’s happening.
1. Special Work Permit for Recognizing Qualifications
Germany is introducing a special work permit for skilled workers whose qualifications need recognition. This means skilled workers can live and work in Germany while they await approval for their qualifications. To qualify, you need at least two years of training, basic German skills, and a job offer. There’s also a six-month visa available for skills assessment, which usually requires basic German skills. These changes start on March 1st, 2024.
2. Faster Path to Permanent Residence
Good news for skilled workers: the wait time for permanent residence is getting shorter. Skilled workers can now get a settlement permit in just 21 months, and Blue Card holders can get one in 27 months (or 21 months if they have intermediate German skills). Graduates from German universities still need to wait two years after employment. These changes start in March 2024.
3. Changes for Healthcare Workers
To address shortages in the healthcare sector, healthcare workers from other countries, including nurses, can now work in Germany with less than three years of training. Graduates can stay for up to 12 months to look for a job, with the option to extend their stay. These changes start on March 1st, 2024.
4. Easier Family Reunification
Starting March 1st, 2024, skilled workers and Blue Card holders can bring their parents to live with them in Germany. Spouses who are permanent residents can also bring their parents-in-law. The requirement to prove enough living space is waived for dependent children or spouses, making it easier for families to reunite.
5. Visas for Start-up Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs who receive start-up grants can now apply for an 18-month visa to start their businesses in Germany. To qualify, you need to be a skilled worker with a university degree or vocational qualification.
6. More Work Rights for Students
International students can now work more hours part-time, with a limit of 140 full days or 280 half days per year starting in March 2024. This applies to students in preparatory courses and those applying to university.
7. More Opportunities for Apprentices
Starting in March 2024, the age limit for apprenticeship seekers is raised to 35, language requirements are lowered to intermediate level, and visas are extended to nine months, giving more opportunities for those seeking apprenticeships in Germany.
8. Visas for Short-term Workers
Employers can now hire non-EU nationals for temporary work in Germany, with certain criteria and obligations to be met. This new visa route starts in March 2024.
9. Introduction of Job Search Opportunity Card
In June 2024, Germany will introduce the opportunity card, allowing job seekers to move to Germany for up to a year to look for work and work up to 20 hours a week. Professionals will get this card automatically, but others need to meet certain criteria, including language skills and accumulated points for various factors.
10. Extension of West Balkans Regulation
Starting in June 2024, Germany will indefinitely extend the West Balkans regulation, allowing people from West Balkan countries to enter the German job market in any non-regulated profession, with a quota of 50,000 employment visas per year.
2024 is set to be a big year for immigrants in Germany with these major changes. Stay tuned for more updates on citizenship rules.
Read more about Study Abroad In Germany
‘Chancenkarte’ or Opportunity Card in Germany