Germany offers the accelerated skilled worker process as a way to integrate foreign professionals more quickly into the German labor market. This process is particularly attractive for companies and professionals looking to fill urgent vacancies with minimal delays.
What is the Accelerated Skilled Worker Process?
The accelerated skilled worker process was introduced to expedite the entry and employment of qualified professionals from abroad. The goal is to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and significantly shorten processing times.
Key features include:
- Shortened processing times: Applications are generally processed within two months, compared to the longer durations under standard procedures.
- Coordinated procedures: A central point of contact manages the entire process, ensuring more efficient communication and processing.
- Administrative support: Both companies and professionals receive comprehensive assistance from the relevant authorities.
Steps in the Accelerated Skilled Worker Process
For Companies:
- Agreement with the Foreigners‘ Office:
The company enters into an agreement with the relevant Foreigners‘ Office. This agreement outlines the collaboration and necessary steps in the process. - Application Submission:
The company submits an application for the accelerated process to the Foreigners‘ Office. This includes documents such as the employment contract, qualification proofs, and, where applicable, the recognition of the professional qualification. - Pre-Approval from the Federal Employment Agency:
In most cases, approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required. They ensure that the job conditions and salary meet legal requirements. - Certificate Issuance by the Foreigners‘ Office:
After reviewing the documents, the Foreigners‘ Office issues a certificate that the professional needs to apply for their visa.
For Foreign Professionals:
- Visa Application:
With the certificate from the Foreigners‘ Office, the professional applies for a visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country. Visa processing times are also shortened under this accelerated procedure. - Entry and Employment:
Once the visa is granted, the professional can enter Germany and start work with the company.
Costs of the Procedure
The accelerated skilled worker process is subject to a fee of €411, which must be paid by the company. This fee covers processing by the Foreigners‘ Office and coordination of the procedure.
Summary
The accelerated skilled worker process aims to support global recruitment and enable highly qualified professionals to enter the labor market faster and more efficiently. While companies benefit from quicker staffing of open positions, professionals can promptly begin their careers in Germany. However, the process has also faced challenges, including wait times and administrative complexities.
For more detailed information and instructions on the accelerated skilled worker process, visit beschleunigtes-fachkräfteverfahren.de or the government website Make it in Germany.
You can find out more about the law at https://fachkraefteeinwanderungsgesetz.de.