'Germany’s Immigration Law: What Has Changed for Professionals, Students,
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In the first part of “” (), we discussed the initial stages of the reform. This article examines the rules that have become particularly important following the spring 2024 set of changes and remain relevant for applicants in 2026: recognition of qualifications, IT visas, permanent residence, the Blue Card, family reunification, study, and short-term work.
Who Should Pay Attention to These Changes
The reform of Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act primarily affects third-country nationals who plan to move to Germany for work, study, or recognition of qualifications. The changes have had the greatest impact on:
- professionals with foreign vocational or higher education;
- IT professionals with practical experience;
- holders of Blue Cards and other work residence permits;
- students, prospective students, and participants in the Ausbildung program;
- families of skilled workers;
- employers who wish to temporarily hire workers from outside the EU.
Important: Immigration rules depend on the specific basis for stay, profession, salary, region, and the practices of the immigration authorities. Before applying, it is advisable to check the requirements on official websites and in the guidelines provided by the specific consulate.
Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
For those who need to undergo Anerkennung or take advantage of compensatory measures in Germany, the requirements have been relaxed.
- The initial term of a residence permit for qualification measures under § 16d AufenthG can now be up to 24 months instead of the previous 18.
- If necessary, a stay can be extended, but the total duration of such measures is limited to the maximum set by law.
- The permitted number of additional working hours during the qualification period has been increased from 10 to 20 hours per week.
- If a German authority determines that an assessment in Germany is necessary to evaluate qualifications, a residence permit valid for up to six months may be issued. German language proficiency at a level of at least A2 on the CEFR is usually required, but the specific requirement depends on the procedure.
In practice, this means that applicants have more time for adaptation courses, exams, internships, and paperwork, and part-time work can partially ease the financial burden.
IT Specialists Without a Formal Degree
For the IT sector, Germany has maintained a separate pathway for people with practical experience. Formal vocational or higher education is not always required if the applicant meets the criteria regarding experience, an employment contract, and salary.
A key change in the reform: the required professional experience for IT specialists has been reduced from three to two years. Proof of German language proficiency is no longer a standard mandatory requirement for this category, but the language may still be important for work, integration, and communication with government agencies.
Permanent Residency for Professionals and the Blue Card
For qualified workers from abroad, the path to a Niederlassungserlaubnis has become shorter.
| Category | When You Can Apply for Permanent Residence |
|---|---|
| Professionals with a residence permit under § 18a, § 18b, § 18d, or § 18g of the AufenthG, if their education was not obtained in Germany | typically after 3 years, provided all other conditions are met |
| EU Blue Card holders | after 27 months of employment under the Blue Card |
| EU Blue Card holders with German B1 | after 21 months |
The length of stay alone does not guarantee permanent residence. Typically, pension contributions, financial stability, housing, the absence of serious violations, language proficiency, and basic integration requirements are also reviewed.
Family Reunification
For skilled migration, there have been relaxations regarding family relocation.
- For certain categories of skilled workers, the requirement to prove sufficient living space has been waived for family reunification.
- The parents of a skilled worker may be eligible to relocate if the initial work residence permit was issued no earlier than March 1, 2024.
- The parents of a spouse may be eligible under this rule if the spouse also has the right to permanent residence in Germany.
- For each family member, you still need to check in advance the financial support requirements, health insurance, and the specific requirements of the visa process.
It is important to distinguish between the rules for spouses and minor children, the rules for parents, and the rules for family members of EU or German citizens. These are different legal situations.
Students, Prospective Students, and Ausbildung
The rules for student migration have also become more flexible.
Students
International students from third countries may work up to 140 full working days or 280 half-working days per year. Alternatively, a limit of up to 20 hours per week may apply. Part-time jobs on campus may be subject to separate rules, so it is best to check the conditions with the university and the relevant agency.
Preparing to Study
Participants in preparatory programs, including language courses and the Studienkolleg, now have more opportunities for part-time work. This is important for those who have not yet been admitted to a degree program but are already in Germany in the preparatory phase.
Finding a Place to Study
The visa for seeking a place to study has become more practical: the length of stay has been extended to 9 months, the age limit has been raised to 35, and part-time work may be permitted for up to 20 hours per week. For language proficiency, the B1 level is usually required, but the specific documents needed depend on the purpose of the visa and the consulate.
Ausbildung
Participants in vocational training may be eligible for additional employment of up to 20 hours per week outside of their main program, provided it is compatible with the terms of their residence permit and their studies.
Short-term employment not tied to qualifications
The reform also introduced the possibility of short-term employment for third-country nationals regardless of their formal qualifications. This is not a general work visa, but a limited tool designed to address specific labor market needs.
The main conditions are as follows:
- the employer participates in the established procedure and complies with the wage requirements;
- Employment is limited in duration, typically to no more than eight months within a 12-month period;
- working hours must be at least 30 hours per week;
- The employer covers the necessary travel expenses, if required by the regulations;
- The Federal Employment Agency sets the framework and quotas for this program.
This route is not suitable for everyone: it does not replace the Blue Card, a specialist work visa, or the recognition of qualifications.
What to Check Before Applying
Before choosing a basis for entry or changing your residence permit, check:
- whether your profession qualifies as skilled employment;
- Is recognition (Anerkennung) required, and which authority is responsible?
- whether the salary meets the requirements for a specific type of residence permit;
- Are there any German language requirements specific to your application grounds?
- Can family members be included in the application right away, or is it better to apply separately?
- what documents a specific consulate or Ausländerbehörde requires;
- Check whether the quotas, forms, and application procedures have changed in your region.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming that the shortened waiting period for permanent residence waives the other requirements.
- Do not confuse the Blue Card, a standard work residence permit for specialists, and the Chancenkarte.
- Relying solely on the old articles from 2023–2024 without checking the current version.
- Forgetting to get health insurance for family members.
- Applying for recognition of qualifications without understanding which authority is responsible for your profession.
FAQ
Is it now possible to obtain a work visa without a degree?
Sometimes yes, but not for every job. For IT, there is a path through practical experience, and short-term employment has specific restrictions. In most cases requiring qualifications, a degree, vocational training, or recognition of qualifications still matters.
Does the Blue Card automatically grant permanent residence after 21 months?
No. The 21-month period applies only if additional conditions are met, including a German B1 level. Without B1, the estimated processing time is 27 months, but in both cases, the remaining requirements for the Niederlassungserlaubnis must be met.
Is housing required for family reunification?
For some skilled workers, the requirement for adequate housing has been relaxed. However, financial support, insurance, and family documents remain important, and the specifics depend on the legal basis.
Can students work without restrictions?
No. For students from third countries, there is a limit: 140 full working days or 280 half working days per year, or up to 20 hours per week. Before exceeding this limit, you should check the rules with your university and the relevant authorities.
