Germany on Saturday introduced a new visa scheme for skilled workers from outside the European Union, allowing applicants to move to the country and look for a job for up to a year if they meet certain criteria.
The new scheme, known as the Job Search Opportunity Card, is open to people with at least two years of vocational training or a university degree recognized by the country where the qualification was obtained. Knowledge of German or English is also required.
An applicant’s eligibility for the visa is calculated based on their language skills, professional experience, age and ties to Germany. Once the card is granted, applicants can enter Germany and look for a job for up to one year.
This means that participants no longer have to submit a contract with a German company before entering Germany. They are also not required to provide a qualification recognized by or obtained in Germany. This is intended to reduce bureaucracy and shorten procedures.
“We ensure that workers and skilled workers that our economy has urgently needed for years can come to our country,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Saturday.
The new visa scheme is part of a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at tackling the acute shortage of skilled workers in Germany.
The first phase came into effect in November 2023 and mainly involved relaxing the pathway to a residence permit, known as the European Blue Card, and for recognized skilled workers.
From Saturday, opportunities for job seekers from the Western Balkans have also been expanded, including for non-skilled workers. However, under this arrangement, a contract with a German company is still required as a condition of entering Germany.
