JOIN USWith the German Bundestag (lower house of parliament) passing the act on entry and residence of highly qualified workers, Germany now offers greater freedom of choice for foreign students, scientists and researchers.
Right to residence
The bill was tabled in the context of the EU directive on entry and residence of highly-qualified workers. The scope of the passed law exceeds the EU targets and presents foreign students, scientists and researchers with new opportunities in Germany for employment. The act was passed on April 27, 2012 by Bundestag, — the lower house of the German parliament.
The act has increased part-time work limit for foreign students to 120 days instead of, as previously, 90 days a year. After graduating, foreign students will be allowed to stay in Germany for 18 instead of 12 months to seek qualified employment during which they can work an unlimited number of hours or days.
They are no longer obliged to seek the approval of the German Federal Employment Agency (BA). Another novelty is that they will be eligible for a settlement permit, in other words, an indefinite right of residence, as early as after two years.
A right of residence for up to six months is to be introduced for foreign academics seeking employment. Any academic or qualified professional who can present an employment contract with a minimum salary of around € 44,800 (around € 35,000 for certain shortage occupations) may work in Germany for up to four years using the ‘blue card’.
Blue card holders are eligible for a settlement permit after two to three years. Family members of foreign skilled workers will also find it easier to take up employment, for example, by no longer requiring the approval of the German Federal Employment Agency (BA).
The new law broadens an individual’s freedom of choice, — to stay and work in Germany for a certain time or indefinitely. In the view of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this individual freedom of choice is a key characteristic of an outward-looking and welcoming country. The change, hence, is welcomed by the new legislation.