10 years of Brexit: What is the balance sheet for migration law?

When the historic Brexit vote took place in June 2016, the promise was grand: immigration was to be drastically reduced, and complete control over the UK's borders was to be regained. Today, exactly ten years after the referendum, in 2026, we face a reality that has turned these promises on their head. The official data from the UK's Migration Observatory shows unequivocally that net immigration to the UK has by no means collapsed since leaving the EU , but at times even reached record highs.

While immigration from the EU declined dramatically, the United Kingdom opened its doors to skilled workers from third countries such as the USA , Canada, and other global markets. For highly qualified academics, expats, young professionals, and international companies, the legal landscape regarding immigration has fundamentally changed. Anyone venturing to Europe , or specifically Germany, as a top foreign professional today faces a completely new set of rules. As a law firm specializing in visa law, we analyze the development of immigration law over the past decade and show you which legal options are now available to you.

.

Why has migration not decreased despite Brexit?

The dynamics of the labor market cannot simply be stopped by decree. Following Britain's formal withdrawal from the EU and the end of the free movement of workers, many sectors of the British economy experienced an acute shortage of skilled personnel. To meet this demand, the British government was forced to temporarily and significantly liberalize the national visa system for highly skilled workers from non- EU countries. The result of this development is paradoxical: net immigration of non- EU citizens rose dramatically, as globally operating companies, HR departments, and universities continued to rely on foreign talent. For highly qualified professionals from the USA or Canada, this temporarily meant new opportunities in the UK. However, the bureaucratic hurdles and the associated costs of visa procedures have led to a global shift in thinking. Many young professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and academics are now specifically seeking stable, legally secure alternatives on the European mainland – and Germany, as the leading economic power in the EU , is increasingly coming into focus.

What are the legal consequences of Brexit for British citizens in Germany?

Brexit transformed British citizens overnight from EU citizens to third-country nationals. Since the end of the transition period, regular German residency law applies to Britons wishing to immigrate to Germany. They no longer enjoy the privileged freedom of movement but, like citizens of the USA or Canada, must apply for a residence permit before entering Germany or immediately upon arrival . The German Residence Act (AufenthG) forms the fundamental legal basis for their legally secure stay. Fortunately, modern legal regulations have made it easier for highly qualified academic professionals to enter the German labor market. If you have a recognized university degree and a concrete job offer, the EU Blue Card, according to Section 18g of the German Residence Act, is by far the most attractive and fastest way to obtain a residence permit . We continuously support employers and HR departments in processing these procedures in a legally compliant manner, enabling them to bring top international talent on board without delay.

Conclusion

The migration law assessment after 10 years of Brexit impressively demonstrates that isolationist policies cannot stem the real need for global talent mobility. While the United Kingdom ( UK ) grapples with the complex consequences of its withdrawal and new bureaucratic hurdles, Germany has positioned itself as a highly attractive destination for qualified academics, expats, and investors from the USA , Canada, and the UK through targeted legislative reforms . The legal pathways under the Residence Act are diverse but require meticulous preparation. As an experienced law firm specializing in visa law, we support you and your company in making optimal use of these legal options, avoiding bureaucratic pitfalls, and establishing your stay in Germany on a legally sound foundation.

Do you have questions about visa law or need a lawyer specializing in immigration and residency law? Contact us to book a consultation! We are happy to help and guarantee a response within 48 hours if you submit your inquiry via the contact form . Please note that the 48-hour guarantee does not apply if you contact us by email instead of using the contact form.