
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
In an effort to compensate for the skilled labour shortage, Germany has passed a new immigration bill which creates and expands immigration pathways for skilled workers from non-EU countries. The first parts of the reform will enter into force on November 18.
Join Fragomen Managers, Sumejja Handzo, Dr. Adela Schmidt and Associate, Isabel Schnitzler on 2 November, for an informative update on the reforms and the impacts of these. We will provide an overview of key changes including:
- The creation of a points-based ‘Opportunity Card’, which offers a one-year (renewable) residence permit for the purpose of seeking employment in Germany to eligible applicants
- The relaxation of pathways for applicants with vocational experience, with reduced requirements regarding German language skills and recognition of educational qualifications
- The ability for foreign nationals to undertake any role for which they are qualified as opposed to being restricted to roles specifically linked to their formal education experience
- The ability for information technology or educational professionals with sufficient vocational experience to apply for an EU Blue Card, even if they lack formal education; and
- The reduction of the period of required residence in Germany to qualify for permanent residence
If you would like to attend this session, please click the register button.
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Related contacts
Related offices
Explore more at Fragomen
Fragomen news
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.
Blog post
In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.
Media mentions
In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.
Media mentions
In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.
Media mentions
In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.
Podcast
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.
Media mentions
In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.
Media mentions
Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.
Fragomen news
Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.
Awards
Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.
Fragomen news
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.
Blog post
In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.
Media mentions
In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.
Media mentions
In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.
Media mentions
In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.
Podcast
In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.
Media mentions
In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.
Media mentions
Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.
Fragomen news
Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.
Awards
Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.



