Skilled blue collar workers can be challenging to find in Germany, particularly in the construction industry. This is why the German government has put forward several options for employers to find skilled talent from abroad and arrange their residence permits. In the case of hiring skilled blue collar workers, two work permits are the most popular choices for non-EU nationals: the work visa for qualified professionals, and the EU Blue card.
If you’re in the position of hiring expat professionals, but are unsure how to decipher the legal requirements in Germany’s bureaucracy, we’ll cover the main points in this blog post.
Key Requirements for Hiring Blue Collar workers
Recognition of Qualifications
- Germany has an extensive list of professions classified as “regulated.” These are highly specialized positions, such as roles in engineering or various construction trades, that require a formal licence to practice.
- Because of this system, the international candidate’s qualifications must be officially recognized in Germany or deemed equivalent to German academic or vocational standards.
- This process formally goes through an agency named ZAB, which assesses qualifications from all countries worldwide, including school-leaving certificates, vocational qualifications, and academic degrees. We explore the recognition process in more detail in this relocation resource.
Job Offer
- You must provide a concrete job offer to the candidate, and not just any offer will do.
- To qualify for a residence permit, the position should require vocational training or higher qualifications; basic or auxiliary roles are not eligible under this scheme.
- If applying for an EU Blue card, there are specific salary requirements (at least €45,300 p.a. for 2024), though that number may be lower if the exact role you’re looking to fill is part of Germany’s “bottleneck professions”, where the minimum salary drops to €41,041.
Additional Age and Salary Requirements
- For candidates over 45 years old entering Germany for the first time, the offered position must meet a minimum gross annual salary of €49,830 (as of 2024) or include adequate pension provisions.
Opportunities to Fast Track
- German authorities offer the opportunity to also fast track a skilled applicant’s visa processing for a higher fee (currently €411).
Approval by the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
Most job offers require approval from the Federal Employment Agency. They will assess the employment terms, ensuring compliance with local standards for salary, work hours, and conditions.
Work Visa Opportunities for Skilled Craftspeople
If your international talent is also new to the German immigration system, there are a few points you can share with them about these visa options.
Duration of Stay
- Residence permits for qualified work are granted for up to four years or for the contract term plus three months if shorter.
Path to Permanent Residency
- After three years on a residence permit, the candidate may apply for permanent residency.
Family Reunification
- Residence permits can extend to family members, allowing them to join the candidate in Germany.
Conclusion
Recruiting international talent is a strategic investment. By understanding these requirements, you can simplify the process for both your business and prospective employees.
Each case can bring its own unique requirements, especially when facing Germany’s complicated bureaucratic system. If you’re looking for expert guidance, Localyze can help you and your talent every step of the way.
