The Federal Employment Agency enables registration for labor market access abroad.

The Federal Employment Agency has launched a new online portal that provides skilled foreign workers with structured access to the German labor market while still in their home countries. This digital service marks another step in the Federal Government's overall digitalization strategy , which aims to facilitate the immigration of qualified workers and alleviate the existing labor shortage in key sectors (see also the discussion on the " Work and Stay Agency "). The new process is intended to significantly shorten the entry time into the immigration procedure and contribute to better coordination between foreign applicants, German employers , and the immigration authorities.

New digital system of the Federal Employment Agency

The new portal focuses on the ability to register and store personal and professional data in a structured format before arrival. Skilled workers can enter information about their education, professional experience, language skills, and desired field of work. This pre-registration is intended to allow the relevant authorities to more quickly assess whether the profile is compatible with specific labor market requirements . According to the Federal Employment Agency, if there is a sufficient match, an appointment for a consultation will be offered immediately. This automated appointment system creates, for the first time, a direct connection between international skilled workers and the German employment agency – a process that was previously highly fragmented and difficult for many applicants to access.

The new online registration system will also include an information portal.

The portal's information section is also noteworthy . Interested professionals can gain an overview of topics such as labor market access , recognition of foreign professional qualifications , training opportunities , and general immigration issues while still abroad. Providing the content in German, English, and Spanish aims to lower the barrier to initial contact and simultaneously ensure that applicants possess the necessary basic understanding of the legal framework before beginning the process. For VISAGUARD's consulting practice, this means that many clients will enter initial consultations with a significantly higher level of information, facilitating the start of the detailed legal review.

At the same time, the recognition of foreign professional qualifications remains one of the biggest obstacles in the immigration process . Many skilled workers currently receive only partial recognition and must complete additional qualification measures before they are fully permitted to work in their learned profession (see, for example, Section 18a of the German Residence Act ). The Federal Employment Agency's new online service cannot completely solve these problems, but it increases transparency in the preliminary stages and facilitates an early assessment of realistic options. For clients who come to VISAGUARD because they need support in the recognition process, the portal provides an additional foundation for more targeted legal representation.

Conclusion on the new BA offer of pre-registration

For VISAGUARD and for companies seeking to attract international talent, the Federal Employment Agency's new online portal is a welcome addition to the complex landscape of migration. It reduces communication barriers, shortens initial procedural steps, and helps skilled workers connect with German authorities based on clear information. At the same time, legal and strategic support from specialized advisory centers remains essential, particularly regarding the recognition of qualifications, the application process, and coordination with the relevant immigration office. While the portal facilitates entry, skilled workers and employers will likely still require professional guidance as they navigate the intricate immigration law process.