The German government has lowered EU Blue Card salary requirements for 2022.

Key Points:

  • As of Jan. 1, the minimum annual salary requirement for EU Blue Card holders decreased to 56,400 euros.
  • The minimum annual salary requirement for special occupation fields, including mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, engineering and human medicine, decreased to 43,992 EUR.

Additional information: The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit that is issued for four years and can be extended if certain requirements are met.

BAL Analysis: Employers must meet the new salary minimums for both first-time and renewal EU Blue Card applicants. The new salary thresholds will not apply to workers who received their existing EU Blue Card before Jan. 1, 2022. German employers should take note of the change and adjust their budgets accordingly.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The German government has added 39 countries to its “high-risk areas” list.

Key Points:

  • As of Jan. 9, authorities added Australia, Israel, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates and 35 other countries to the “high-risk areas” list. The U.S. and U.K. remain on the list as well.
  • Individuals who have traveled through a high-risk area within 10 days of intended arrival must:
    • Digitally register through this website and carry the registration confirmation when entering Germany.
    • Have proof of a negative PCR test taken with 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival unless fully vaccinated or has previously recovered.
    • Quarantine for ten days upon arrival unless fully vaccinated or previously recovered
  • Travelers can reduce their quarantine after the fifth day of arrival if they provide a negative test result.

Additional information: Children under the age of six are exempt from testing requirements. A full list of the high-risk and virus-variant areas can be found here. More information on Germany’s entry requirements and health protocols can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The German government tightened its entry and quarantine requirements for all travelers.

Key Points:

  • As of Dec. 23, travelers over the age of six must meet one of the following requirements to enter or transit through Germany:
    • Proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of arrival.
    • Proof of previous recovery from COVID-19.
    • Proof of vaccination.
  • Individuals who have been in or traveled through a high-risk area must quarantine for 10 days, and those who have traveled through a virus variant area must quarantine for 14 days.
    • Travelers from high-risk areas can reduce their quarantine to five days if they provide a negative test taken after the fifth day of entry.
    • Travelers from an area of variant concern cannot shorten their quarantine.
  • Authorities designated the U.S. as a high-risk area on Dec. 25 and subsequently designated the U.K. and eight African countries as high-risk areas on Jan. 4. Individuals with travel history from high-risk areas within 10 days of intended arrival must be fully vaccinated or prove that they have an urgent reason for entering the country.

Additional information: Detailed information regarding testing and vaccination requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The German government has announced that it will increase the minimum wage by almost 2.3% in 2022.

Key Points:

  • Germany’s hourly national minimum wage will increase on by 22 cents from €9.60 to €9.82.
  • The new minimum wage will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.
  • The minimum wage is set to increase again to €10.45 on July 1, 2022.

Additional Information: Since Jan. 1, 2020, the gross minimum wage has been €9.35. The Minimum Wage Commission recommended increasing the minimum wage in several stages to €10.45 by July 2022.

BAL Analysis: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs because of the new minimum wage. Employers should take the new wage minimums into account when planning their 2022 budgets.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The German government has removed the U.S. from its high-risk area list and updated its entry requirements.

Key Points:

  • Under a change that took effect Nov. 14, U.S. nationals will no longer be required to obtain Digital Registration on Entry before traveling to Germany or quarantine upon arrival.
  • Individuals traveling from a country not designated as high-risk or a virus-variant area must have proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival to enter Germany.
  • Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the entry requirements.

Additional Information: Authorities added Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Laos to the high-risk list. A full list of the high-risk and virus-variant areas can be found here. More information on Germany’s entry requirements and health protocols can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The German government announced on May 12 a new set of regulations regarding quarantine requirements and testing protocols when entering the country by air.

Key Points:

  • Proof of vaccination or previous recovery from COVID-19 can exempt travelers from the mandatory quarantine.
    • Vaccinated travelers must present proof of complete vaccination such as their yellow vaccination certificate. The complete vaccination (one or two doses depending on the vaccine) must have been completed 14 days prior to arriving in Germany and travelers must show no COVID-19 related symptoms.
    • Recovered individuals need proof of a positive PCR test (or other nucleic acid test) conducted 28 days prior to arrival but no more than six months of arrival as well as show no COVID-19 related symptoms.
    • Travelers are generally not exempt from the mandatory quarantine if they are arriving from a virus variant area or high incidence area. Quarantines can be shortened to five days for travelers from high incidence areas.
  • Individuals intending to travel to Germany by air must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding the plane; proof of vaccination or previous recovery can exempt travelers from this requirement.
  • Individuals can reduce their quarantine if they present a negative test certificate to appropriate authorities after arrival unless they are traveling from a high incidence area or virus variant area.
    • Travelers coming from high-incidence areas must have testing conducted after five days of entering the country.
    • Travelers coming from virus variant areas will still undergo a mandatory quarantine.

Analysis & Comments: The updated policies are intended to ease the burden of travel to Germany for many foreign nationals around the world for the upcoming months. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The German government has banned all travel from the U.K. effective May 23 due to an increase of COVID-19 variant cases recorded in the country.

Key Points:

  • Under a change put in effect on May 23, Germany suspended all travel from the U.K. indefinitely.
  • German citizens, individuals with a home and residency rights in Germany, their spouses, registered civil partners from the same household and minor children will be permitted entry into the country.
  • Individuals transiting through Germany from the U.K. who remain in the airport will also be exempt from the ban.

Additional Information: Germany had previously accepted travelers from the U.K. since the end of March following an announcement removing it from the list of areas of “variant concern.” Others on the list include Brazil, India and South Africa. The full list is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The new policy will greatly hinder travel from the U.K. to Germany. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The German government has removed Ireland and the United Kingdom from Germany’s list of COVID-19 “virus variant” areas, lifting travel bans had been in place since January. Officials reclassified both Ireland and the United Kingdom as “risk areas.”

Key Points:

  • Residents of Ireland can travel to Germany without providing a specific reason, provided they follow travel rules on testing and quarantine. Residents of the U.K. must generally travel to Germany under the rules applicable to third countries, though different rules may apply for EU nationals who live in the U.K.
  • Travelers from Ireland, the United Kingdom and other risk areas must:
    • Register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de before arriving in Germany and carry proof of registration when entering the country.
    • Present results (1) upon arrival of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 48 hours prior to their travel to Germany or (2) within the first 48 hours after arriving in Germany.
    • Self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. The isolation period can be cut short after five days upon presenting a negative COVID-19 test.
    • The final decision on entry to Germany is made at the discretion of the Federal Police; however, airlines may also check to ensure that travel requirements are met. Travelers are advised to check with their airline before travel.
  • Brazil, the Czech Republic, South Africa and 10 other countries and regions remain on Germany’s “virus variant” list. Travel remains suspended to anyone who has been in these countries in the past 10 days, except for a few narrow exceptions, e.g., for German nationals and their immediate family or those with a registered domicile in Germany.

Analysis & Comments: The removal of Ireland and the United Kingdom from the “virus variant” list will ease travel for some, but a number of restrictions and health protocols remain in place.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Germany has implemented new COVID-19 testing requirements in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including new variants.

What does the change mean? Under a change that took effect Jan. 14, travelers entering Germany from “high-incidence areas” or areas with a “variant of concern” must present results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 48 hours prior to their travel to Germany. There are a limited number of exceptions for people entering from “high-incidence areas” and no exceptions for people entering from “variant of concern” areas. Travelers arriving from other “risk areas” can be tested within 48 hours after arriving in Germany if they have not been tested within the 48 hours before arrival. Test results must be in German, English or French.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Who is affected: All travelers entering Germany, including German and EU nationals, who has been in any of the types of risk areas listed above within 10 days before entering Germany.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing times will generally not be affected, but the change could cause delays and even a bar to entry for those who require a test under the new regulation but are unable to present one.
  • Next steps: Companies should check if employees traveling to Germany have been in a risk area and ensure employees meet the applicable requirement. Travelers may also be subject to quarantine following arrival if arriving from a risk area.

Additional Information: Travelers can check here to see if they have been in a high-risk area. Additionally, travelers will have to fill out an entry registration form and may have to go into quarantine. Authorities have the right to request test results, and they must be available for at least 10 days.

Analysis & Comments: The new regulation is another attempt by the German government to contain the spread of COVID-19, including new COVID-19 variants that have proved to be particularly infectious. In some regions of Germany, the number of COVID-19 cases is still increasing. As a result, the government is also prolonging the nationwide lockdown, including the closure of schools, until at least Feb. 14. Further restrictions may be implemented depending on how the pandemic develops. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Germany has released updated information on residence for U.K. nationals in Germany or planning to move to Germany until the end of the year.

What does the change mean? Beginning in 2021, U.K. nationals will generally require a residence permit to reside in Germany. U.K. nationals in Germany or moving to Germany by Dec. 31, 2020, can be eligible for residence under the Brexit withdrawal agreement. In order to obtain this type of residence, U.K. nationals must register locally with the appropriate registration office by Dec. 31, 2020, and with the responsible Immigration Office by June 30, 2021. During a grace period that lasts until March 31, 2021, U.K. nationals who entered Germany before Dec. 31 will not need a residence permit. An application for a residence permit has to be filed for the time after the grace period, however.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Residence permits.
  • Who is affected: Employers and U.K. national employees currently in Germany or planning to move to the country by Dec. 31, 2020.
  • Impact on processing times: Some delays in registration should be expected given that this is a new process.
  • Business impact: Companies with U.K. national employees should check whether their U.K. employees will be able to obtain residence under the Brexit withdrawal agreement since this could impact their right to work in Germany.
  • Next steps: U.K. nationals living in Germany should make sure they register locally with the appropriate registration office by Dec. 31 and with the responsible Immigration Office by June 30, 2021.

Additional information: The U.K. left the EU on Jan. 31. A Brexit transition period that was put in place remains in effect until Dec. 31. U.K. nationals who arrived in Germany before the end of the transition period are guaranteed residence and freedom of movement under the withdrawal agreement; those who arrive after the transition period will be treated more like other third-country nationals.

Analysis & Comments: The new information provides some certainty for U.K. nationals in Germany. The rights under the withdrawal agreement are generally broader than rights under the German Immigration Act, and it is therefore worthwhile for U.K. nationals and their employers to check to see if they qualify for this type of residence. For more information, please consult your Deloitte immigration team.

It remains to be seen whether U.K. nationals arriving after the end of the transition period will have any more right than other third-country nationals in the long-term. Deloitte will continue following news in this area and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Rest of World 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 includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.