On June 1, 2024, Germany will implement the third stage of the Skilled Immigration Act, introducing significant changes for foreigners seeking employment in the country. The two most notable changes are the introduction of a new Opportunity Card and an increase in the number of work visas issued under the Western Balkans Regulation.

Other changes, including certain employer obligations, will not be enforced until 2026, according to authorities. Starting June 1 of this year, in line with the Skilled Immigration Act, the number of temporary work visas issued under the Western Balkans Regulation will double. Germany will now grant 50,000 work visas annually to nationals of the Western Balkan countries, up from the current 25,000. This change will provide nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia with easier and privileged access to Germany's labor market.

Applicants from these six countries will not need to demonstrate professional qualifications when applying for the visa. They simply need to wait for preliminary approval from the Federal Employment Agency and then apply for a visa to enter Germany and begin employment. Germany’s new Opportunity Card, also known as the Chancenkarte, will be available starting next month. Beginning June 1, 2024, nationals of third countries without an employment contract can use the Opportunity Card to enter Germany to search for suitable job opportunities.

The Opportunity Card operates on a points system and will be issued to foreigners recognized as skilled workers who accumulate at least six points. To obtain an Opportunity Card, nationals of non-EU countries aiming to work in Germany must demonstrate completion of at least two years of vocational training or hold a university degree, along with sufficient German or English language proficiency at the A1 or B1 level, respectively.

The Opportunity Card allows applicants from third countries to stay in Germany for up to 12 months to search for a job, with the option to extend their stay for an additional two years. To qualify for the Opportunity Card, third-country nationals need to accumulate six points. The card permits holders to take on two-week trial jobs or part-time employment for up to 20 hours per week.