On 18 November 2023, Phase 1 of the Gesetz zur Weiterentwicklung der Fachkräfteeinwanderung entered into force, representing the most comprehensive reform of Germany's skilled-worker immigration framework since 2020.
Expanded definition of "Fachkraft"
Prior to the reform, the § 18a/18b AufenthG work permit routes were largely restricted to holders of university degrees or, for vocational qualifications, professions formally regulated under German law. The November 2023 amendments extend the Fachkraft status to holders of state-recognised foreign vocational qualifications across a significantly broader range of occupations, regardless of whether the German counterpart is a regulated profession.
Labour-market test removed for Fachkräfte
Skilled workers qualifying under the new expanded definition are fully exempt from the Vorrangprüfung (priority check for German and EU workers). This applies regardless of whether the occupation appears on the BeschV positive list.
Anerkennungsvisum (§ 81a AufenthG)
The reform introduces a new visa category allowing foreign nationals to enter Germany specifically to pursue the formal recognition of their qualification at a German authority. This removes the previous requirement to complete the recognition procedure entirely from abroad and reduces total processing time.
Salary floor adjustments
Minimum salary requirements under § 18 AufenthG were revised to align more closely with collective bargaining agreement benchmarks, removing some of the rigidity that had created anomalies for skilled workers in sectors with below-average tariff wages.
Accompanying measures
The reform also strengthens the Make it in Germany advisory platform as the central point of contact for foreign workers and employers, and introduces binding processing-time targets for Ausländerbehörden on certain permit categories.
What did not change in Phase 1
Language requirements, qualification comparability assessments (conducted by IQ network and ANABIN), and the requirement for a concrete employment offer under §§ 18a/18b remained in force. These pathways continue to sit alongside the Chancenkarte (introduced in Phase 2, March 2024) and the Anerkennungspartnerschaft (Phase 3, June 2024).