German Embassy: 'What the new German law on the immigration of skilled workers brings'

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - On 1 March 2020, the new German law on the immigration of skilled workers comes into force, applying to citizens of all countries worldwide and primarily concerning persons with vocational or academic qualifications.

Higher education or vocational qualifications must first be recognised in Germany, and according to the new immigration law, the first step is therefore to submit an application for recognition (nostrification) of the qualification in Germany.

If a certificate of recognition of the qualification is issued, the next step is to submit an application for a visa at the German Embassy in Sarajevo.

What is new as of 1 March? If there is a job offer and if the appropriate nostrification of the qualification has been carried out, skilled workers from all fields of work can now immigrate.

Persons with a recognised vocational qualification can apply for a visa for the purpose of seeking employment. The job must correspond to the education and be appropriate to the qualification. Persons under the age of 25 can now apply for a visa to seek a place for vocational training in Germany and complete their entire education there.

Necessary knowledge of the German language is proven by presenting a certificate of a passed exam. There is no age limit. However, persons over the age of 45 must provide proof of a minimum salary.

For persons who do not have higher education or vocational training, the existing rules for immigration to Germany continue to apply. Here, the check of the priority rule for employment will remain in force. In the future, the provision for the Western Balkan countries will also apply that persons over the age of 45 must provide proof of a minimum salary.

Anyone wishing to apply for a visa should in any case read the information sheets with detailed instructions on the Embassy's website: https://sarajewo.diplo.de/ba-sh/service/-/1621970