German Immigration News

The integration of Ukrainian refugees into the German labor market is one of the greatest social challenges of recent years – and at the same time one of the most visible successes. According to the current IAB job survey, the proportion of employees in Germany who have fled Ukraine tripled between 2022 and the end of 2024. While only 0.2 percent of all employees came from Ukraine in 2022, by 2024 this figure had already risen to 0.6 percent – a total of around 242,000

A bumpy start for the new entry/exit system The European Entry/Exit System (EES) , which collects biometric data from all third-country nationals entering the Schengen Area, is already causing significant problems in its current testing phase . Although full and mandatory implementation is still planned, numerous airports are already using the system – with clearly noticeable consequences for travelers. Chaotic scenes at European airports Reports from Alicante, Malaga, G

The German Federal Government is further advancing the digitalization of migration administration. At the Cabinet meeting on November 5, 2025, a policy paper outlining key points for the initiative "Introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Visa Procedures and Migration Administration" was presented. Although the full document has not yet been published by either the Federal Ministry of the Interior or the Federal Foreign Office, it is already becoming clear that the

The number of naturalizations in North Rhine-Westphalia has increased significantly in recent years . One key reason: Around ten...

In Bremen , the federal state comprising the cities of Bremen and Bremerhaven, long waiting times at government offices have long been a source of discontent among many people. The Migration Office is no exception. It has long been known for its long processing times and slow naturalization processes and has been a frequent subject of political debate.   Public voices critical of naturalization in Bremen These primarily revolve around the long processing times. Applic

With the publication of the official policy paper on the "Work and Stay" agency (WSA), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) has initiated the next phase of skilled worker immigration . The planned agency aims to simplify labor migration procedures, consolidate key responsibilities, and better support employers in recruiting and integrating international skilled workers. However, the paper also reveals that the federal government plans a significant expa

According to calculations by the Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs , Hesse will have a shortage of...

The European Union is further tightening visa regulations for Russian citizens . Following the tightening of border controls for Russian diplomats last month, the new rules now apply to all Russian citizens – with only a few exceptions. The EU's aim is to reduce security risks associated with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. No more multiple-entry visas The key point of the new regulation: Schengen visas allowing multiple entries will generally no longer be i

Applying for a German visa from Turkey has become a frustrating and stressful process for many people. Families , students , business travelers , skilled workers , and even investors have long reported overburdened consulates and months-long waiting times . Currently, the waiting time for Schengen visas in Turkey is around four to six months, while D visas can take up to five months. As demand increases, the procedures seem ever more cumbersome and opaque. Many of tho

Complaints about the Berlin State Office for Immigration (LEA) are on the rise . Particularly serious is the fact that appointments are frequently delayed for months – sometimes with existential consequences for those affected. The Berlin Migration Council reports increasingly escalating cases in which people receive no response from the LEA despite multiple attempts to contact them. Increase in complaints: job loss, housing shortage and lack of social benefits According

The rising demand for naturalization is causing strain nationwide, but the problem is particularly evident in Potsdam . Anyone applying for naturalization here currently needs an extraordinary amount of patience. According to consistent reports from legal practice, naturalization procedures in Potsdam often take two to three years , and not infrequently even longer. This applies even to fully prepared and well-documented applications. Many cases remain stalled for mont

Germany is increasingly suffering from a shortage of qualified specialists . Employers often wait months for urgently needed...

The Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB) has published the latest statistics on the Recognition Act for 2024. The figures...

The Federal Police reports a significant decline in unauthorized entries into Germany for 2025. Between January and September 2025,...

The Make it in Germany portal has published a new practical guide specifically aimed at employers , explaining the Opportunity Card...

The nursing sector in Germany continues to face enormous pressure. The shortage of skilled workers is palpable, particularly in...

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has announced a significant relaxation of the work bans for asylum seekers in Germany ...

Another bribery scandal at the Munich immigration office In Munich, the immigration authorities are once again at the center of a corruption investigation : Three people were arrested, two of whom are now in custody. The Munich public prosecutor's office accuses the suspects of having arranged residence permits in exchange for money in several cases. According to the investigation, between €500 and €2,500 were allegedly paid in each case. Among those affected is an employe

An IT glitch at a Berlin IT service provider has led to the loss of nearly 600 digital naturalization applications . For applicants, this means even more patience—and resubmission. A software error with consequences What was supposed to be progress toward digital government has ended in a setback: At the end of June, a massive data breach occurred at the Berlin IT service provider (ITDZ) . Approximately 582 digitally submitted naturalization applications were lost—deleted

As of June 1, 2025, a new requirement for naturalization has been in effect in Brandenburg : Anyone wishing to apply for German...