Everything that Changes about Immigration in Germany in 2024
This year, significant changes in immigration and citizenship rules are set to be witnessed in Germany. From new visas for jobseekers to faster routes to permanent residence, 2024 promises to be a transformative year for immigrants. In this comprehensive guide, we will see Everything that Changes about Immigration in Germany in 2024. We will delve into the key immigration reforms, ensuring you are well-informed about the evolving landscape.
Special Work Permit for Recognition of Qualifications
In an effort to alleviate the challenges of recognizing foreign qualifications, Germany is introducing a special work permit. While waiting for their qualifications to be acknowledged, skilled workers can actively live and work in the country. This applies to those with at least two years of academic or vocational training, A2 German proficiency, and an employment contract. Additionally, a six-month visa is available for skills analysis, generally requiring A2 German. These changes are effective from March 1st, 2024.
Quicker Routes to Permanent Residence
A game-changer for skilled workers: the wait for permanent residence is shortened. Foreign professionals with a skilled worker permit can obtain a settlement permit in just 21 months, while Blue Card holders can do so in 27 months (or 21 months with B1 German). Graduates from German universities maintain a two-year timeline for permanent residence post-employment. These changes come into effect from March 2024.
Changes for Healthcare Workers
To address worker shortages in the health sector, healthcare workers from third countries, including nurses, can work in Germany with less than three years of training. Graduates can stay up to 12 months to search for employment, with the possibility of extension. These changes aim to streamline the process, starting March 1st, 2024.
Relaxed Family Reunification Rules
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 apply this rule to parents-in-law. The requirement to prove sufficient living space is waived for dependent children or spouses, making family reunification more accessible.
Visas for People with Start-up Grants
Entrepreneurs receiving start-up grants can apply for an 18-month visa to establish their businesses in Germany. Eligibility requires qualification as a skilled worker, either holding a university degree or a vocational qualification.
More Rights for Students’ Part-time Work
International students can increase their earnings through part-time work, with an extended limit of 140 full days or 280 half days per year starting March 2024. Preparatory course attendees and visa holders for applying to university can also work from day one.
More Options for Would-be Apprentices
From March 2024, the age limit for apprenticeship seekers is raised to 35, language requirements lowered to B1, and visas extended to nine months, providing more opportunities for those seeking apprenticeships in Germany.
Visas for Seasonal or Short-term Workers
Employers can hire non-EU nationals for temporary work in Germany, with specific criteria and obligations to be met. This new visa route will be effective from March 2024.
Introduction of Job Search Opportunity Card
A groundbreaking change, Germany introduces the opportunity card in June 2024. This jobseekers’ visa allows individuals to move to Germany for up to a year to look for a job and work up to 20 hours a week. While recognized professionals get it automatically, others must meet certain criteria, including language proficiency and accumulated points for various factors.
Extension of West Balkans Regulation
From June 2024, authorities will indefinitely extend the West Balkans regulation, which was initially set to expire in 2023. This allows individuals 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.
Prospective immigrants are poised to experience a landmark year in 2024 with these comprehensive changes in Germany’s immigration landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on citizenship rule changes in our upcoming feature.
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