Germany's Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkraefteeinwanderungsgesetz) expanded significantly in November 2023, introducing three main routes: a traditional skilled worker route (requiring recognised qualifications), an experience-based route (for those without a formal degree equivalent), and the Chancenkarte opportunity card.
The changes were intended to address Germany's structural labour shortage, estimated by the Institute of Employment Research (IAB) at over 570,000 vacancies in skilled positions as of early 2026.
What the official assessments show
The Federal Employment Agency (BA) published an assessment in mid-2026 noting that applications for skilled worker visas from non-EU nationals had increased by around 20 percent year-on-year in 2025. The agency attributed part of the rise to the broader scope of qualifying experience under the new rules.
Uptake of the Chancenkarte has been lower than the government's original target of 100,000 applications in the first year. BAMF attributed this partly to bureaucratic processing delays at German embassies in high-demand countries and to salary threshold rules that limit part-time work during the job-search year.
Recognition of qualifications: the main bottleneck
Both the Federal Employment Agency and independent assessors identify recognition procedures as the main practical barrier for applicants. The time to get a German Anerkennungsbescheid (recognition decision) can range from three months to over a year, depending on the profession and federal state.
Germany has extended the Anerkennung Online portal to additional professions and launched an accelerated procedure for shortage occupations, but waiting times remain a concern for applicants and employers.
What to check before applying
- Verify that your profession qualifies under the specific route you intend to use.
- Initiate the qualification recognition process early -- it is often the longest step.
- Check the salary threshold for your profession and region; it affects the Chancenkarte's part-time work rules.
- Use Make It In Germany (make-it-in-germany.com) as an official starting point for route guidance.
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