Germany implements amended immigration regulations impacting experience-based work permits

On 1 March 2024, amended German immigration regulations went into effect that impact experience-based work permits. Among the new rules is the expansion of the provision allowing employees with professional experience but without a qualification recognized in Germany to obtain German work authorization. With the introduction of the new regulations, it is expected that employers will have access to a larger pool of applicants who did not qualify previously for work permits as skilled workers (e.g., as they may not have held qualifications that are recognized in Germany) but now qualify based on professional experience. The reduction in the salary threshold is also expected to benefit employers.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.