Foreign nationals with pending asylum applications who have resided in Germany for at least three months are exempt from the labor market test to obtain a work permit, effective immediately.
This exemption will be in effect for three years. Refugees from safe countries of origin, as determined by the German government (e.g. Albania, Ghana, Montenegro, Senegal and Serbia, to name a few), are not eligible for the exemption.
Background
The labor market test is a step in the work permit application process that confirms to the German authorities that the relevant job cannot be assigned to an equally-qualified German national, EU national or a foreign national with unrestricted work permission.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
Eligible foreign nationals and their employers should benefit from streamlined access to the German labor market.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.
Media mentions
Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.
Video
Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.
Blog post
Blog post
Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.
Media mentions
Awards
Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.
Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.
Blog post
Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet discusses updates in the October 2025 US visa bulletin for employment-based green card applicants.
Video
Afzal Amin highlights a significant update for UAE Golden Visa holders: the Jebel Ali Free Zone authorities have replaced permanent access cards with permanent identity cards.
Blog post
Blog post
Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Consultant Pebbless Agyemang discuss Belgium’s new family reunification rules and their impact on applicants.