Skilled Immigration Act

The German Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) is the federal law that underpins Germany’s skilled worker immigration framework. Enacted in 2020 and significantly reformed in 2023–2024, it introduced the Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), expanded the qualified professional visa, and created the experienced professional pathway for non-regulated occupations. The Act responds to Germany’s severe skilled labour shortage (639,000 vacancies as of early 2025) by making it easier for non-EU workers, including South Africans, to enter Germany to work.

Connections

• Germany Opportunity Card — created by this Act, [2024]
• Germany Skilled Worker Visa — governs this route, [2020-2025]
• Germany — national legislation, [2020-2025]