Germany on Track to Grant 200,000 Work Visas by Year-End

Facing an acute labour shortage, Germany is approving more professional visas for skilled workers.

Germany, the largest economy in Europe, is reported to be on track to grant 200,000 German Work Visas by the end of the year. This is a 10% increase when compared to the previous year when German immigration reforms were introduced. The official announcement was made on Sunday by the German Government.

Previously, Germany increased the annual cap on skilled visas for Indians from 20,000 to 90,000. The ambitious initiative of the German government targets critical gaps in the German labor markets in diverse sectors with high worker demand.

Germany has been facing a great shortage of skilled workers, with an estimated 1.34 million jobs lying vacant at present. To deal with the labour shortage, Germany launched a points-based Opportunity Card Chancenkarte. The process was streamlined, with basic qualifications to qualify, making it much easier for professionals and university graduates to find work in Germany.

The German Government recently announced that around 200,000 German Work visas will have been issued by the end of the year.

How have the German immigration reforms worked out?

A joint statement from three German government ministries stated that the end of the year, some 200,000 professional visas will have been awarded. There was an over 10% increase in the number of visas issued in 2023. Moreover, the statement further added that there has been an increased interest in -

• German Student visas,
• Completion of vocational studies in Germany, and
• Recognition of foreign qualifications.

The number of visas for non-EU nationals to study in Germany rose by over 20%. Vocational trainees had a more significant growth. Similarly, the demand for recognition of foreign professional qualifications for Germany also went up.

Supporting the immigration reforms, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that “With the Skilled Immigration Act, we have created the most modern immigration law in Europe and finally turned the visa process on its head."

According to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, “Thanks to the Opportunity Card, people with experience and potential can now find a suitable job more quickly and easily”.

What is the German Opportunity Card?

The German Opportunity Card allow you to enter and explore employment opportunities in Germany with a permitted stay of up to 1 year. The main difference between the earlier German Jobseeker Visa and the present Opportunity Card is that you can take up 2-week job trials and work part-time on an Opportunity Card. You could not take up any kind of work on the German Jobseeker Visa which has been replaced by the Opportunity Card.

A points-based system is used to determine the Opportunity Card eligibility points. Factors assessed include -

• Academic qualification,
• Whether the applicant’s job comes under a demand occupation,
• Work experience,
• German language proficiency,
• Previous connection to Germany,
• Age, etc.

Those applying for the Opportunity Card must show proof of possessing sufficient funds to cover their projected 1-year stay in Germany as a job searcher.

Per official statistics, Germany has created around 1.6 million jobs within the last 5 years. Of these, an estimated 89% have gone to skilled foreign workers.

The German Opportunity Card gives a pathway to work in Germany. The right preparation can help you move to Germany asa skilled worker within 3 months. A strong Cover Letter and Motivation Letter written by experts can showcase your profile in the best possible light to a prospective German employer.

Applying for a Germany Opportunity Card? Know the timeline, costs, and process. Submit your application with complete end-to-end support. For more details, get in touch today. Free consultation.