The Skilled Immigration Act came into force on 1 March 2020. It extends and simplifies the immigration process for specialists in possession of university degrees or non-academic vocational qualifications.

1. Summary of the main reforms

The general term “specialists” covers graduates and employees with non-academic vocational training. As of March 2020, these persons may be employed by a company in Germany without that company needing to demonstrate that no German or European applicant was available. If the situation in the labour market should deteriorate, however, prioritisation may be re-introduced. Regulations that previously applied only to graduates are being extended to specialists with non-academic vocational qualifications.

2. “Which professions are in highest demand in Germany, and what do I need to know?”

Doctors: Doctors can work as salaried employees in hospitals or group practices, or establish private practices. As a prerequisite, their qualification must be equivalent to the German qualification for doctors. More information is available here.

Engineers: With many vacancies across all sectors, there is particular demand for specialists in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, electrical engineering and structural engineering.

Scientists and IT specialists: In the land of inventors and explorers, there are numerous companies and research institutes with a high demand for specialists in the fields of computer science informatics, mathematics, technology and the natural sciences.

3. “As a graduate, how much will I earn in Germany?”

Graduates in Germany with up to two years’ professional experience earn €47,500 on average per year. However, there are significant differences between the various occupational groups. The starting salary for doctors is €45,000 and €50,000 for chemists. Discrepancies also exist between sectors and regions. Even just a few years after starting a career, specialists can significantly increase their earnings.

4. “How and where can I get my qualification recognised?”

In Germany there are regulated and non-regulated graduate professions. Doctors, pharmacists and lawyers must have their foreign degrees officially recognised. The responsible office will generally review your documentation within 3–4 months. For full details, click .

In the case of degrees obtained in other disciplines, such as computer science informatics, mathematics or business, holders only need to demonstrate that their degree is comparable to a German university degree. Decisions are taken by the .

5. “How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting my job prospects?”

Although the German economy has not been immune to the coronavirus pandemic, restrictions on restaurants and short-time work in the automotive sector (to give two examples) had been eased by May 2020. Now that the labour market is moving again, the need for specialists is back. The Federal Foreign Office provides English-language information on entering Germany.

6. “If I gained my qualification in Germany, do I have an advantage?”

Yes, that is probably the case. After all, those who gain their qualifications in Germany will have had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the German mentality and language, and may have achieved a certain level of German language ability. For many, personal contacts established with companies and organisations over the course of work placements, involvement in student initiatives or teaching experience help get their careers off the ground.

7. “My German is not perfect. Where can I find information in my language?”

The portal of the Federal Government () provides information for international specialists in German, Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, English, French, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

8. “How do I find a job in research?”

As of 2019, more than 80,000 international academics were undertaking research in German higher education institutions. Vacancies are advertised; a position as a research assistant may be combined with work towards a doctorate. Those with a demonstrable academic track record may also apply for a position as a guest lecturer or professor. Elsewhere, many jobs are available within the research departments of German companies and on international research projects.

9. “Do I need a visa to work or undertake research in Germany?”

Citizens of EU and EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) do not require a visa or residence permit to accept a job in Germany. Interested persons from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the USA may enter Germany without a visa before applying locally for a residence permit for their employment. Nationals of all other third countries must acquire a visa in advance.

10. “Who can help me?”

Get in touch directly by starting a or sending an email to make-it-in-germany@arbeitsagentur.de. Advice in German and English is also available via a telephone hotline on living and working in Germany. The number for the hotline is +49 30 1815 1111.

Read further on the Alumniportal Deutschland

• 
  Spot the opportunities, secure a job – and find your feet in Germany. Find your way to Germany in five steps.
• The Skilled Immigration Act: The impact of the coronavirus
  How do graduates find a job in Germany? Which professions are in highest demand? What has changed due to the coronavirus pandemic? For answers, we spoke to Kerstin Krey, head of the project “Make it in Germany”

Related links

• 
  www.make-it-in-germany.com is the German government’s portal for qualified professionals from around the world. The portal, which can be browsed in a variety of different languages, offers information for those interested in moving to Germany – starting with preparations in the home country, to the actual move, to the first steps to be taken in Germany.
• 
  On "Make it in Germany" you will find multilingual information on entry and visa procedures, job search and everyday life in Germany.
• 
  How to succeed in entering the German labour market. Information on career opportunities for international skilled personnel, tips on applying, training and job hunting.