I m m igration update for Germ any Uta Behrens, Prem Christopher, Andreas Wiesmann Fragomen Global LLP
About Fragomen I. Largest firm in the world exclusively dedicated to providing global immigration services II. With more than 1,000 immigration professionals throughout over 39 strategically located offices across 15 countries, we offer the highest caliber of immigration services available on a global, regional or country basis. 2
Upcoming changes Students Before New (August 1 st 2012) Work permitted for 90 days (180 half days) Work permitted for 120 days (240 half days) 3
Upcoming changes Graduates from German university Before Extension for max. 12 months for job search Work permitted for 90 days (180 half days) New (August 1 st 2012) Extension for max. 18 months for job search Full access to German labour market Permanent permit after 2 years 4
Upcoming changes Graduates from German university contd. Permanent permit: Requirements 2 years of employment in Germany German language knowledge 5
Upcoming changes Permanent permit for highly qualified workers Before Experienced executives and specialists Minimum salary EUR 67.200 No consent from labour authority required New (August 1 st 2012) No minimum salary Consent from labour authority required Still discretionary rule Accompanying spouse: no language requirement and permission to work 6
III. Upcoming changes contd. Blue Card Characteristics Requirements Based on EU regulation No EU-wide permit Limited to specific employment German work contract / job offer University degree Minimum salary appr. EUR 35.000 Consent of labour authority 7
III. Upcoming changes contd. Blue Card contd. No consent from labour authority required German university degree, shortage occupation (nat. scientists, engineers, IT-specialists) or Salary EUR 44.800 and more 8
III. Upcoming changes contd. Blue Card contd. Advantages Faster processing if labour authority not involved Accompanying spouse: no language requirement and permission to work Permanent permit after 21 months with B1 certificate No expiry when leaving Germany for max. 12 months Possibility to apply for a Blue Card in another EU country after 18 months, no entry visa required 9
III. Upcoming changes contd. Job Search Characteristics Requirements For up to 6 months No permission to work No extension University degree Sufficient means of subsistence for stay in Germany 10
Upcoming changes Self Employment Before Threshold of minimum investment EUR 250.000 Creation of five jobs Superior economic and regional interest Secured financing New (August 1 st 2012) No minimum investment required No job creation required Any economic and regional interest Discretionary decision 11
In-house training Fragomen offers in-house training for your specific corporate immigration needs. For questions please contact us anytime Uta Behrens Practice Leader frankfurtinfo@fragomen.com www.fragomen.com ubehrens@fragomen.com +49 (0) 69 20 97 49 0 Andreas Wiesmann Attorney-at-Law awiesmann@fragomen.com Prem Christopher Business Process Manager pchristopher@fragomen.com 12
I m m igration update for Germ any Uta Behrens, Prem Christopher, Andreas Wiesmann Fragomen Global LLP
About Fragomen I. Largest firm in the world exclusively dedicated to providing global immigration services II. With more than 1,000 immigration professionals throughout over 39 strategically located offices across 15 countries, we offer the highest caliber of immigration services available on a global, regional or country basis. 2
With You Today Uta Behrens Practice Leader Frankfurt, Germany ubehrens@fragomen.com Andreas Wiesmann Attorney Frankfurt, Germany awiesmann@fragomen.com +49 (0) 69 20 97 49 0 +49 (0) 69 20 97 49 0 Prem Christopher Business Process Manager Frankfurt, Germany pchristopher@fragomen.com T +49 (0) 69 20 97 49 0
Upcoming changes Students Before New (August 1 st 2012) Work permitted for 90 days (180 half days) Work permitted for 120 days (240 half days) 4
Upcoming changes Graduates from German university Before Extension for max. 12 months for job search Work permitted for 90 days (180 half days) New (August 1 st 2012) Extension for max. 18 months for job search Full access to German labour market Permanent permit after 2 years 5
Upcoming changes Graduates from German university contd. Permanent permit: Requirements 2 years of employment in Germany German language knowledge 6
Upcoming changes Permanent permit for highly qualified workers Before Experienced executives and specialists Minimum salary EUR 67.200 No consent from labour authority required New (August 1 st 2012) No minimum salary Consent from labour authority required Still discretionary rule Accompanying spouse: no language requirement and permission to work 7
III. Upcoming changes contd. Blue Card Characteristics Requirements Based on EU regulation No EU-wide permit Limited to specific employment German work contract / job offer University degree Minimum salary appr. EUR 35.000 Consent of labour authority 8
III. Upcoming changes contd. Blue Card contd. No consent from labour authority required German university degree, shortage occupation (nat. scientists, engineers, IT-specialists) or Salary EUR 44.800 and more 9
III. Upcoming changes contd. Blue Card contd. Advantages Faster processing if labour authority not involved Accompanying spouse: no language requirement and permission to work Permanent permit after 21 months with B1 certificate No expiry when leaving Germany for max. 12 months Possibility to apply for a Blue Card in another EU country after 18 months, no entry visa required 10
III. Upcoming changes contd. Job Search Characteristics Requirements For up to 6 months No permission to work No extension University degree Sufficient means of subsistence for stay in Germany 11
Upcoming changes Self Employment Before Threshold of minimum investment EUR 250.000 Creation of five jobs Superior economic and regional interest Secured financing New (August 1 st 2012) No minimum investment required No job creation required Any economic and regional interest Discretionary decision 12
In-house training Fragomen offers in-house training for your specific corporate immigration needs. For questions please contact us anytime frankfurtinfo@fragomen.com www.fragomen.com Thank you! 13