Germany is gradually responding to the persistent shortage of skilled workers: The requirements for skilled worker immigration, or simply "Business" or "Corporate Migration," have been revised, particularly with the Skilled Immigration Act. Nevertheless, they are subject to continuous renewal and adjustment. The adapted Residence Act and its ancillary laws also offer employers the opportunity to recruit qualified personnel. The "accelerated skilled worker procedure" established for this purpose can also be managed by company owners themselves, which can significantly simplify entry.
Common Foundations and Special Requirements
The granting of residence permits (and consequently the visas required for initial entry) for gainful employment is regulated by Section 5 of the Residence Act with general requirements, and by Sections 18 et seq. of the Residence Act with specific requirements. Anyone wishing to obtain a visa through an embassy or consulate and subsequently a residence permit through the immigration authorities must consider both. The regulations under Section 18 of the Residence Act then govern migration for specific applicants or professional groups – such as skilled workers with vocational training, academics, or researchers. Later in the law, special provisions follow for ICT transfers or the "Blue Card (EU)."
When proving the required qualifications and their equivalence to German training standards, employers can also help accelerate the process by supporting the procedure at the relevant specialized agencies, such as IHK FOSA.
How Employers Can Expedite the Process
Even at this stage, it can be beneficial for entrepreneurs to seek qualified advice on selecting the appropriate permits and assessing the residence law suitability of their applicants. This may also involve thoroughly reviewing job profiles, adapting requirements in accordance with the laws, and finally preparing contractual documents with immigration in mind.
To avoid unnecessary waiting times during the application process, we recommend thorough preparation – our dedicated team would be pleased to provide you with comprehensive advice!