Germany Empowers Skilled Workers with Streamlined Immigration Process in 2023
The immigration law in Germany has undergone reforms to attract skilled workers from countries outside the European Union (EU) and provide opportunities for refugees already residing there. According to a report by DW, the Bundestag passed the new immigration law reform on 23 June 2023, aiming to encourage individuals from outside the EU to come to Germany for employment.
The nation’s immigration laws have been modernised, which should make it simpler for foreign nationals to work in Germany. This change might lead Germany to hire 60,000 more non-EU workers each year. Workers with vocational and non-academic training are the major target of the Skilled Immigration Act’s revisions. Additionally, the laws currently in place for educated professionals will be relaxed.
Foreign employees hoping to take advantage of Germany’s new Immigration Reform Law can considerably improve their chances by utilising RKY Career’s extensive services, which include CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn optimisation. With the help of RKY Career’s expertise, applicants may present their abilities, credentials, and experiences in a customised and engaging way, matching them to the demands and expectations of German companies. By making their application documents stand out, international workers can better convince German businesses of their value and potential value, enhancing their chances of landing job prospects.
Furthermore, RKY Career’s bootcamp trainings provide a valuable opportunity for potential immigrants, even those without a degree, to position themselves firmly in the context of Germany’s new Immigration Reform Law. These intensive training programs equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required by the German job market, focusing on in-demand sectors and occupations. Foreign workers participating in these bootcamps can improve their employability, learn about particular industries, and fill in any skill gaps, making them desirable job prospects.
This increased competitiveness significantly improves their chances of obtaining the “Opportunity cards” introduced by the new German Immigration Reform Law, which allows them to come to Germany for one year to seek employment without requiring any job offers, opening up doors to explore various career opportunities in the country.
Why is Germany Changing its Immigration Policies?

Like many other European countries, Germany experienced a shortage of skilled workers. In 2022, the country reached a record high in labour shortages, with the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) identifying 1.74 million unfilled positions across Germany. The impact of this shortage was evident in July of the previous year when almost half of the surveyed companies, as reported by the Munich-based research institute IFO, faced staff shortages that compelled them to slow down their operations.
Germany aims to attract qualified professionals from countries outside the European Union (EU) to address this issue. However, the current immigration process is hindered by bureaucratic procedures and excessive red tape. During a press conference held on 17 January 2023 at the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs (BfAA), Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed the need to overhaul the visa process, describing it as a necessary step towards modernisation. She emphasised how crucial it was to turn the procedure “upside down” in order to streamline and increase efficiency.
How does Germany plan to attract Skilled Foreign Workers?

A notable innovation introduced by the ‘Chancenkarte’ is the “opportunity card” and its associated points system. This allows foreigners without a job offer to come to Germany for one year to seek employment. Applicants must hold a vocational qualification or university degree to be eligible for the card.
The opportunity card will be awarded based on specific conditions, with applicants accumulating points for various factors such as German and English language skills, existing connections to Germany, and the potential for their partners or spouses to join the German labour market. Three out of four of the following criteria must also be met to apply for the scheme:
- A degree or vocational training
- Three years of professional experience
- Language skills or a previous stay in Germany
- 35 years old or younger
Moreover, the card allows individuals to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week while searching for a qualified job and participating in probationary employment.
The new rule allows those who applied for asylum by March 29, 2023, have the necessary qualifications, and have a job offer to be allowed to enter the labour market. This provision also applies to opportunities for vocational training. Similarly, individuals holding a tourist visa will no longer be required to leave the country before returning for employment purposes. The exact details of the scheme are yet to be formalised. The Chancenkarte is not expected to be available until at least the end of 2023.
What are the Main Changes to Germany’s Immigration Policies?

Firstly, this new system aims to simplify the process for individuals with professional experience, rather than a university degree, to come and work in the country. This means that if you have valuable work experience in your field, you now have an excellent opportunity to pursue your career in Germany.
Secondly, Germany is becoming more open to recognising job experience and professional qualifications obtained in workers’ native countries. In the past, the country had stricter guidelines regarding which qualifications it acknowledged. However, with these recent changes, your qualifications and experience gained outside of Germany will have a higher chance of being recognised and valued.
Thirdly, the introduction of the opportunity card has made it easier for individuals without a job offer to seek work in Germany. If you are actively searching for employment, you can utilise this opportunity card to stay in the country for up to one year. You can also work part-time, for up to 20 hours per week, while focusing on finding full-time employment.
The new regulations have also resulted in positive change for those with a job offer and recognised diplomas. As a result of decreased wage limitations, it is now simpler for you to satisfy the necessary financial requirements. Additionally, relocating to Germany with your family has been made simpler, and applying for permanent residency has gotten easier. These improvements aim to make the workplace more accessible and welcoming for qualified individuals and their families.
Which Industries in Germany Are the Focus of This Immigration Reform?

Germany has a specific demand for various skilled professionals such as craftspeople, electrical engineers, IT specialists, carers, nurses, and catering and hospitality professionals.
An IFO poll indicates that the service sector, notably the hospitality and events sectors, has been severely impacted. The effects can also be seen in industries including warehousing and storage, service providers, manufacturing (particularly in the production of food, machinery, and metal), retail businesses, construction firms, and wholesalers, who have all reported staff shortages.
However, according to the German news channel DW, IT workers without a university degree and adequate work experience will still be qualified for EU Blue Cards. Additionally, there is a need for professionals in the fields of medicine, science, metallurgy, and construction.
While the automotive and mechanical engineering industries suffer less severe shortages than other sectors, the pharmaceutical and chemical industries have comparatively low shortages of trained people. For a list of other in-demand jobs, go to the German Government’s official website.