Immigration
The Residence Act, EU free movement and the Skilled Immigration Act
Immigration is governed by the Aufenthaltsgesetz. EU citizens enjoy free movement; others need a residence title, with the reformed Skilled Immigration Act and the EU Blue Card easing entry for qualified workers.
Key rules
- Non-EU nationals need a residence title matched to their purpose (work, study, family).
- The EU Blue Card targets graduates meeting a salary threshold and gives a fast track to settlement.
- The 2023 Skilled Immigration Act added a points-based Chancenkarte job-seeker route.
Governing law
- Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residence Act)
- Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (2023)
In practice
Recognition of foreign qualifications is often the rate-limiting step for regulated professions and should be started early.