Germany: Upcoming Government Publishes Immigration Policy Plans

Key plans for German migration policy over the next four years include:

• Skilled labor migration as a necessary element for Germany’s long-term plans;
• Migration process digitalization will be a priority, including plans to launch a Digital Agency for Skilled Worker Immigration, a unified online platform for visa, work permits and degree recognition applications that is expected to streamline immigration processes;
• Data sharing between the authorities will be improved via online platforms;
• The elimination of the fast-track three-year residence period for naturalization (the five-year residence period and rules regarding dual citizenship will remain);
• Reduced work restriction period for refugees to three months, down from six months (with exceptions);
• The Western Balkan regulation, which is a special migration scheme allowing citizens of Western Balkan countries to work in Germany, will be limited to 25,000 people per year (down from 50,000); and
• Increased government focus on irregular migration reductions.

Germany held a parliamentary election on February 23, 2025. The center-right Christian Democratic Union party, jointly with its sister Christian Social Union party, came first with around 29% of the vote. The hard-right Alternative for Germany, a far-right political party that favors a very restrictive approach towards immigration, came second with around 21% of the vote. The incumbent Social Democrats came third, with around 16% of the vote.

Germany faces severe labor shortage and migration is seen as a solution.

The coalition paper demonstrates that the migration of skilled workers to Germany, and the simplification of immigration procedures through digitalization, remain a priority. This is to be achieved through a new agency that will manage migration. We will publish more information on this agency once more information is available.

Any of the above plans would require legislative approval, and may come into effect as soon as in several months, or longest-term, over the next four years, depending on the legislative processes and the objectives of the government.

Now that the coalition has been formed between the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democrats, will become chancellor in May 2025. Besides the above immigration plans, his planned strategies include implementing economic reforms to support infrastructure and corporate growth, boosting defense spending and increasing public investment.