IMPACT – HIGH

As part of a new COVID-19 national strategy, most travelers entering Germany will need to quarantine upon their arrival. Completion of a digital health form will generally be required as well.

Key Points:

  • As of Nov. 9, most travelers entering from a high-risk area must quarantine for 10 days after making entry. The quarantine can end after five days if the traveler tests negative for COVID-19.
  • Exemptions are only available in specific circumstances, e.g., if the traveler’s stay in Germany is less than 24 hours (or in some cases 72 hours). Commuters may also be exempt.
  • Travelers returning from a high-risk area where they have been in the last 10 days will need to submit a digital health form (Einreiseanmeldung).
  • Travelers must submit their contact information as well as where they will be staying during their quarantine.

Background: The latest details on COVID-19 entry restrictions for Germany can be found here.

Analysis & Comments: 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The salary threshold for EU Blue Card holders will increase on Jan. 1, 2021.

What does the change mean? The minimum gross annual salary for non-shortage occupations will increase to €56,800 (up from €55,200). For shortage occupations (mostly in the information technology field), the minimum salary will increase to €44,304 (up from €43,056).

  • Implementation time frame: Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Visas/permits impacted: EU Blue Cards.
  • Who is impacted: German companies planning to hire high-skilled workers based on the EU Blue Card regulations.
  • Business impact: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs.
  • Next steps: Beginning Jan. 1, 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, 2021.

Background: Salary thresholds for EU Blue Cards in Germany are based on the assessment ceiling of the German pension scheme. This figures increase every year and were recently announced for 2021.

Analysis & Comments: The 2021 salary minimums represent a roughly 3-percent increase over the current thresholds. German employers should take note of the change and adjust their budgets if necessary.

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.

 

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Germany lifted its general travel warning replacing it with country-by-country or regional travel warnings.

Key Points:

  • A blanket travel warning, which covered roughly 160 countries, ended Sept. 30.
  • New travel warnings based on an individual country or regional COVID-19 infection rates took effect Oct. 1. A classification as a high-risk area will automatically trigger a travel warning.
  • Under the new system:
    • A travel warning against non-essential tourist travel will remain in place for countries designated high-risk areas (most countries aside from European Union member states, Schengen Area nations and the United Kingdom).
    • Countries designated low-risk (Australia, Canada, Georgia, New Zealand, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay) will also have a warning against non-essential tourist travel. The overall situation for the country in question will be taken into account.
    • A mandatory quarantine for individuals coming from an EU or EU-associated country was waived June 15, however, a quarantine requirement is still in place for travelers from high-risk countries/regions. All individuals entering Germany from a country outside the EU must quarantine for 14 days upon entry.

Background: Germany has had travel restrictions in place since March in response to the pandemic.

Analysis & Comments: Travelers are reminded that some countries may have their own policies restricting entry to travelers from Germany and are advised to review their destination country’s entry and travel policies before traveling. For up to date information, please visit Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The German Foreign Ministry has announced that foreign nationals with expired Schengen visas must leave Germany by Sept. 30 because more travel options have become available.

Key Points:

  • Germany will not provide a further general extension for Schengen visa holders.
  • In special cases, where expired Schengen visa holders who are still unable to leave Germany because of special circumstances, authorities will use existing options provided for by the Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) to consider granting extensions.

Background: In April and again in June, German authorities announced they would honor expired Schengen visas because many foreign nationals were unable to leave the country at the time because of COVID-19 travel restrictions. The ministry recently announced that it would not provide another extension because restrictions have eased and countries are not barring their own nationals from returning home.

Analysis & Comments: Foreign nationals with expired Schengen visas must make plans to either depart Germany by Sept. 30 or obtain another legal basis to remain in the country. 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Jewish immigrants are now allowed entry into Germany on humanitarian grounds despite a ban on most other foreign nationals from non-European Union countries.

Key Points:

  • Entry restrictions for Jewish immigrants were lifted on Sept. 2.
  • Jewish immigrants must show negative COVID-19 PCR test results taken within 48 hours or travel, or be tested as they arrive in Germany. If they are positive for COVID-19 or do not have test results, they must also undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
  • In order to be eligible for the exemption, Jewish immigrants must be from countries that were once part of the Soviet Union and meet other preconditions for acceptance.

Analysis & Comments: Germany is slowly easing restrictions on those can enter the country despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in Germany and 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Germany has instituted mandatory COVID-19 testing for anyone traveling to the country from any of roughly 130 high-risk countries.

Key points:

  • As of Aug. 8, tests must be completed within 48 hours of departure or within 72 hours of arrival and will be required for anyone, including German nationals, traveling from high-risk countries. Tests will be offered at airports, doctors’ offices and testing facilities free of charge.
  • Travelers arriving in Germany or returning to Germany from a high-risk country must self-isolate until they receive their result. If they test positive for the COVID-19 virus, they must continue to isolate at home for 14 days.
  • Travelers who are required to take a test are also encouraged to take an additional test five to seven days after their first test. Travelers coming from countries that are not considered high-risk may take up to two free tests within 72 hours of arriving, but are not required to.
  • Those who fail to follow the testing protocol could face monetary fines.
  • In addition to the high-risk countries, authorities have deemed parts of Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Romania and Spain as high-risk. The complete list is available here.

Background: Germany shut down nonessential travel in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country took steps to reopen in June and July, first for travel from within the Schengen Area and then for certain travelers from outside the Schengen Area.

Restrictions have now been lifted on nationals of EU/Schengen Area countries and the United Kingdom and for residents of Australia, Canada, Georgia, New Zealand, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. Entry to Germany from outside the Schengen Area is also permitted for third-country nationals if they hold a Germany visa or residence permit and have an established residence in German or have residence in another EEA country or Switzerland and are traveling through Germany to reach their country of residence.

Third-country nationals can enter Germany if they serve an “essential function” in Germany. This category includes third-country nationals coming to Germany for high-skilled work, as foreign students or for family reunification, in some cases. It is also possible for unmarried couples to reunite in Germany if the partner living in Germany invites the other partner and the couple can show that they have a long-lasting partnership. Visit Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map for more detailed information.

Analysis & Comments: Anyone planning travel to Germany from a high-risk country should take note of the new testing requirements and make employee travel arrangements accordingly. 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The German Ministry of the Interior has announced new travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Key points:

  • With immediate effect, controls at the inner-EU borders are being expanded to air and maritime traffic.
  • This means that flights from Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland will be affected by stricter controls. Ships from Denmark will be as well.
  • Until March 18, only the land borders to France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark and Luxembourg were closed.
  • Individuals commuting for work to their German employer, with a written confirmation proving their travel is employment-related, and individuals who are transporting goods are still allowed to pass the inner-EU border as usual. Everyone else will be refused.
  • Additionally, Germany’s Schengen borders are closed to all third-country nationals. Exempted are German and EU nationals, individuals with essential functions (medical staff, diplomats etc.), those holding a valid German long-term residence permit or permit from another EU member state and those having their permanent place of residence in Germany or in another EU member state.

Analysis and Comments: The new travel restrictions will significantly impact travel to Germany. It is possible that restrictions may be extended or additional ones may be announced. Employers should account for affected travellers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing, as more and more German missions abroad and Immigration offices in-country continue to close down their services and/or cancel visa appointments. The response to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Germany is shutting down all non-essential businesses to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

 Key Points:

  • All non-essential businesses are closed until further notice.
  • All non-essential domestic and international travel is suspended, including staying in hotels.
  • The borders to France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark have been closed and are only accessible for transport of goods and commuters.
  • Schools and universities have been closed until further notice.
  • Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the unprecedented measures today shortly after Germany began implementing border restrictions with neighboring countries. Germany has seen over 7000 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. The Government has asked the people to avoid any social interaction until further notice.

Additional information: Employers must be prepared for significant disruption to all but essential business activity. It is likely that the shutdown will also affect immigration-related services. Germany has over 500 immigration offices. There has been an increase in Immigration offices changing their opening hours or even closing entirely, including in Berlin and Munich. It should be expected that more immigration offices will be closing.

Foreigners with a valid German residence permit can leave Germany and return and those currently outside of Germany on vacation can return, provided they don’t show any symptoms. The Government asked the people to refrain from any travels inside and outside Germany, and the Federal Foreign office have issued a travel world-wide travel warning for touristic purposes.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Applicants seeking to apply for a German entry visa will not be able to lodge their entry visa applications in China. The German Foreign Ministry has issued a partial travel warning to the high-risk regions in China.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate
  • Visas/permits affected: Tourist, business, work visas and work permits. Passport and consular offices remain open.
  • Who is affected: Visa required nationals living in China and their employers.
  • Next steps: Employers should anticipate further restrictions regarding Chinese nationals and travel from China.

Additional information: According to the Robert Koch Institute and the European Center for Disease Control, the risk for the population in Germany is very low. As of today, there are 13 cases of infected people, all in the federal state of Bavaria. They came recently from Wuhan or had close contact to passengers from Wuhan. Passengers who came from the region of Wuhan are being checked at the airport and those with symptoms are isolated under quarantine and monitored for the time of incubation. The health ministry checks and monitors people who have close contact with travelers and informs them accordingly.

Analysis & Comments: Employers of Chinese nationals may experience delays affecting employee mobility. The response to the coronavirus is evolving rapidly, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes as necessary.

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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? The German Ministry of Interior has passed a regulation that broadens a constitutional provision that allows descendants of those who lost citizenship under the National Socialist regime to apply for citizenship.

What does the change mean? The regulation fills gaps in Germany’s citizenship laws that excluded certain groups, and allows more individuals to be eligible for citizenship they would have inherited if not for National Socialist persecution.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change took effect in September.
  • Processes impact: German citizenship.
  • Who is impacted: Descendants of former German nationals who lost German citizenship because of National Socialist persecution.
  • Business impact: While the overall impact on business is minor, the opportunity to obtain citizenship could carry significant personal importance to individuals who qualify.
  • Next steps: Those interested in an assessment to determine if they may be eligible for citizenship may contact Deloitte Germany’s immigration team.

Background: Under the Germany constitution, descendants of German nationals who lost their citizenship under National Socialist persecution are eligible to apply for citizenship. Some groups were excluded from this right, however, including marital children born before 1953 to a mother who lost citizenship after marrying a non-German. The Ministry of Interior implemented rules last month that will allow for such applicants to obtain citizenship if they meet other eligibility requirements.

Analysis & Comments: This legal right was established to provide a form of redress to descendants of people who lost their German citizenship under National Socialist persecution. Deloitte welcomes this new regulation that will make this redress available to a greater number of people who are still affected by their ancestors’ loss of citizenship.

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.