Germany

Skilled immigration law to take effect March 1

30 Aug 19

GERMANY

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The German government has announced that a new skilled immigration law will take effect March 1, 2020.

What does the change mean? The law will provide expanded opportunities for skilled non-EU nationals to work or search for work in Germany. It will also create a fast-track application process for skilled workers and broaden employer notification requirements in some cases.

  • Implementation time frame: March 1, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected:Work permits.
  • Who is impacted: Employers and skilled non-EU nationals interested in working in Germany.
  • Impact on processing times: The law will create a new fast-track process for skilled workers in an attempt to ease a lengthy application process.
  • Business impact: The new law will ease some requirements and procedures for employers recruiting non-EU high-skilled workers.

Additional information: The law will:

  • Open opportunities for high-skilled non-EU workers to enter the German labor market on the basis of (1) a job offer, (2) a recognized professional qualification, and (3) some German language skills.
  • Allow specialists in shortage occupations the chance to work in Germany without a formal degree, provided they have a job offer and practical professional experience.
  • Allow individuals seeking jobs on the basis of their vocational training to search for work in Germany for up to six months.
  • Introduce a new fast-track application process for skilled workers. This process will consolidate application steps through a central immigration office per state and will allow employers to seek all required approvals and permissions on a “one-stop-shop” basis.
  • Broaden obligations of employers to notify authorities about significant changes in employment or early termination.

Analysis & Comments: The law will open up work opportunities in Germany for skilled non-EU workers and could lead to a faster application process. The law will also increase notification requirements for employers, but, overall, will help employers meet workforce demands. More detailed information is expected closer to the March 1 implementation date.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

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