On 1 January 2021, a successor regulation to the so-called “Western Balkans regulation” (Section 26 (2) of the Employment Ordinance) came into force in Germany.
The Federal Government has thus once again created privileged access to the German labour market for nationals of the six Western Balkan states. This continues to apply to any type of employment – irrespective of a recognised qualification.
The Western Balkans regulation has granted nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia access to the labour market in Germany since 2016. Originally limited until 31 December 2023, the regulation has now been terminated as part of the regulation on the further development of skilled labour immigration.
The previous quota of 25,000 residence permits issued per calendar year will be increased to 50,000 from June 2024.
The requirements for access to the German labour market:
- Employment Contract
- No receipt of benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act in the last 24 months.
- Fulfilment of the legal visa requirements.
- The vacancy must not be filled, for example, job-seeking Germans or EU citizens.
- The salary and employment conditions must be according to the German Employment Law.
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