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Key Takeaways:
As an HR professional managing international talent, keeping up with German immigration policies is essential to support your employees effectively. Since April 2025, significant changes digitized the application process for various German work permits, including the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) and other residence titles. Berlin’s Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA) mandated mandatory online submissions for several types, with expansions continuing into 2026 (e.g., self-employed/freelance permits as of March 2026). This aligns with broader federal efforts, including the Consular Services Portal for initial visas.
This guide provides critical details eligibility, process, requirements, documents, where to apply, updated salary thresholds, processing times, and fees—to help your employees navigate the current system seamlessly.
What Has Changed Since April 2025 (Status in 2026)?
The shift to mandatory online submissions in Berlin, effective April 2, 2025, remains in force for:
- Skilled Worker (Fachkraft mit akademischer oder Berufsausbildung)
- Employment of certain nationals (Beschäftigung bestimmter Staatsangehöriger)
- Researcher (Beschäftigung zum Zweck der Forschung)
- Job Seeker Permit (Arbeitsplatzsuche im Anschluss an eine Ausbildung oder ein Studium in Deutschland)
- Working Holiday / Youth Mobility
- Au Pair
- Voluntary Service
Regular employment permits (Arbeitserlaubnis) also moved online in Berlin from April 2025. Nationwide, online options have expanded via the Federal Foreign Office's Consular Services Portal (since 2025) for many entry visas, reducing embassy visits. In Berlin, additional online forms rolled out for humanitarian extensions (August 2025) and self-employed/freelance residence permits (March 2026). For the latest phased rollout, check the official Berlin.de Service Portal or LEA announcements.
Why This Matters for HR
These changes have digitized and expedited processes, reducing paperwork and delays. As HR, guiding non-EU talent through Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) applications ensures compliance, faster onboarding, and productivity in Germany.
Eligibility for Work Permit Applications (2026 Updates)
Core criteria remain, but salary thresholds updated January 1, 2026:
- EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU): For highly skilled non-EU nationals with a recognized academic degree (or equivalent) and job offer. Minimum gross annual salary: €50,700 (general); €45,934.20 for shortage occupations (e.g., IT, engineering, medicine) or new entrants (degree <3 years old). Federal Employment Agency approval often required.
- Skilled Worker: Recognized vocational training or university degree aligned with qualified employment (no strict job-qualification match required post-2023 reforms).
- Researcher: Research contract from a recognized German institution.
- Job Seeker / Opportunity Card: Extended options via the 2024 Opportunity Card (up to 1 year job search).
For detailed criteria, refer to the Make it in Germany portal.
Application Process: Step-by-Step for HR (2026)
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents digitally (PDF, JPG, JPEG, PNG; check size limits, often ~50 MB total).
- Access the Portal: For Berlin, use the LEA/ServicePortal Berlin online form. Outside Berlin, check the local Ausländerbehörde website; many support online submissions or uploads. Initial entry visas often via Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de).
- Complete the Form: Fill online, upload documents.
- Pay the Fee: Online via card (Visa, Mastercard; PayPal in some cases). No cash or Girocard for online portions.
- Submit & Track: Receive PDF confirmation (extends current permit validity during processing). Track via portal.
- Attend Appointment: LEA/authority schedules biometrics (fingerprints/photo) weeks/months later. Some regions allocate post-submission; Berlin phased out public booking portal in early 2026 to curb issues—appointments often assigned after online filing.
Requirements and Documents Needed
Prepare these (scans/originals for verification):
- Valid passport (color scan)
- Current proof of legal stay (visa/residence permit)
- Job contract/offer (signed, with salary/role details)
- Entry stamp (first-time applications)
- Qualifications (degree/vocational certificate, recognized via Anabin/ZAB)
- Health insurance proof (German-compliant)
- Employer declaration (“Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis”)
- Proof of residency (Anmeldung certificate)
- Rental agreement + proof of payments
- For extensions: Payslips, employer confirmation
- Regulated professions: Berufsausübungserlaubnis
Where to Apply and Appointment Details
- Berlin: LEA online portal (ServicePortal Berlin).
- Other regions: Local Ausländerbehörde (e.g., Munich KVR); check for online options.
- Initial visas: Often Consular Services Portal or German mission abroad.
Appointments: Online submission first; biometrics later (scheduled by authority). In high-demand areas like Berlin, expect waits—plan early.
Processing Time and Fees (2026)
- Apply early: 8 weeks before expiry.
- Processing: 1-3 months (up to 90 days for EU Blue Card per EU rules); varies by completeness/workload. Digital processes often faster.
- Fees:
- EU Blue Card: ~€100 (first issuance).
- Other permits: €75-€100.
- Extensions: ~€93-€96.
- Paid online.
HR Tip: Early applications bridge expiry gaps; monitor for 2026 expansions like the Work and Stay Agency rollout.
Why the Shift to Online? Benefits for Your Employees
Online applications minimize errors, provide immediate PDF proof for legal stay, and support Germany's digital efficiency goals—benefiting skilled workers and employers.
Next Steps for HR
- Audit employees’ permit types/validity dates.
- Bookmark Make it in Germany, Berlin.de/LEA, and digital.diplo.de.
- Prepare for biometrics in busy regions.
- Stay alert for further digital centralization (e.g., Work and Stay Agency).
By staying informed on these 2025-2026 evolutions, you ensure smooth transitions for non-EU talent in Germany. For official confirmation, always consult primary sources like LEA or Make it in Germany, as rules can evolve.
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