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Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act)

Quick definition

Germany's landmark immigration reform that makes it easier for employers to hire skilled workers with vocational training, academic degrees, or professional experience from abroad.

At a glance

Enacted

March 2020, major reform 2023-2024

Three pillars

Nov 2023, Mar 2024, Jun 2024

Blue Card salary lowered

€50,700 / €45,934

New: Chancenkarte

Opportunity Card

New: Recognition Partnership

Recognition Partnership pathway

Permanent residence

3 years (down from 4)

How it works

The Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act) was implemented in three phases between November 2023 and June 2024. Pillar 1 (November 2023) reformed the EU Blue Card with lower salary thresholds and removed the requirement for jobs to match specific qualification fields. Pillar 2 (March 2024) introduced the recognition partnership pathway, allowing candidates to start employment while pursuing qualification recognition, and extended the recognition residence permit to up to 3 years. Pillar 3 (June 2024) launched the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) with a points-based system for job seekers. The act also allows skilled workers to bring parents and parents-in-law to Germany and reduced the path to permanent residence from 4 years to 3 years for foreign-trained professionals.

Why it matters

This is the most significant reform to German immigration law in years. It opens new pathways for companies to hire internationally — especially for candidates who previously did not qualify under the old rules. Understanding which pillar applies to each hire is key to choosing the fastest route and reducing time-to-productivity.

Legal basis

§§18a-18g AufenthGFachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz
§16d (Recognition Partnership)Aufenthaltsgesetz
§20a (Chancenkarte)Aufenthaltsgesetz

Frequently asked questions

What changed with Pillar 1 (November 2023) and how does it affect hiring?
The EU Blue Card reform: lower salary thresholds, the candidate's degree no longer needs to match the job, IT professionals can qualify without a degree with 3+ years experience, and recent graduates qualify for the lower threshold. This significantly expands the pool of candidates eligible for Blue Card sponsorship.
What does the Recognition Partnership (Pillar 2) mean for our hiring timeline?
Since March 2024, candidates can enter Germany and start working while their foreign qualifications are being recognised. This eliminates the months-long wait for recognition before the employee can begin. The recognition residence permit was extended to up to 3 years. Skilled workers can now also bring parents and parents-in-law.
How does the Chancenkarte (Pillar 3) expand our talent pool?
The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) replaced the old Job Seeker Visa. It uses a points system and allows candidates up to 12 months of job search in Germany with part-time work rights. For employers, this means more qualified international candidates are already in Germany and available for in-person interviews.
Can we hire candidates with vocational training, not just university degrees?
Yes. The reform specifically targets workers with vocational training (not just university degrees). Recognised vocational qualifications now have equal standing with academic degrees for immigration purposes, broadening your hiring options significantly.

Related tools & services

Visa Pre-Check

Find the right pathway under the new rules

Blue Card Calculator

Check 2026 salary thresholds

Our Services

How relokate applies the new law for your hires

Related terms

EU Blue CardChancenkarte (Opportunity Card)Anerkennung (Recognition of Foreign Qualifications)Aufenthaltstitel

Country guides

Learn how this applies to specific nationalities.

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Volkswagen
Henkel
Marquardt
Flink
KoRo
Netlight
CODE University
Medwing
Feather Insurance
Handtmann
Lano
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