Structuring Immigration

Germany has become a popular destination for migrants. There are 24.9 million people from migrant backgrounds now living here. Germany is not only the most popular destination for migrants within the EU but has also moved to the top of the international rankings. The Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › is increasing rates of immigration Immigration As early as the 19th century Germany attracted a large number of immigrants and since the 1950s has emerged as the European country with the largest immigrant population. In 1950, there were about 500,000 foreigners in Germany, accounting for a mere one percent or so of the population. This has… Read more › for skilled professionals from around the world. At the same time, Germany is facing up to its humanitarian responsibility for refugees and asylum seekers who may be fleeing crises or conflict regions.

In 2023 there were around 13.9 million holders of foreign passports living in Germany. 24.9 million persons were from migrant backgrounds. This group includes migrants, foreign citizens born in Germany and people with one or more parents who came to Ger­many as migrants. Around 12.6 million people from migrant backgrounds held a German passport. Over half of them have been German citizens from birth. Ethnic Germans who were repatriated to Germany constitute another significant group. The other people from migrant backgrounds are naturalised. In 2023 alone, some 200,100 foreign citizens were naturalised.

Migrants make a significant contribution to Germany’s social and economic development. The growing need for skilled workers is attracting well qualified people from abroad. The Federal Government Federal Government The Federal Government and cabinet is made up of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal Ministers. While the Chancellor holds the power to issue directives, the ministers have departmental powers, meaning that they independently run their respective ministries in the framework of those directives… Read more › wants to facili­tate increased migration, not least to counteract the shortage of skilled workers which is due to demographic change.

In addition to boosting the activation of Germany's own pool of potential skilled workers and encouraging greater immigration Immigration As early as the 19th century Germany attracted a large number of immigrants and since the 1950s has emerged as the European country with the largest immigrant population. In 1950, there were about 500,000 foreigners in Germany, accounting for a mere one percent or so of the population. This has… Read more › from EU member states, the Federal Government sees the migration of skilled workers from third countries as a means of counteracting demographic change and helping ensure there are enough skilled workers. To this end, Germany reformed its Skilled Immigration Immigration As early as the 19th century Germany attracted a large number of immigrants and since the 1950s has emerged as the European country with the largest immigrant population. In 1950, there were about 500,000 foreigners in Germany, accounting for a mere one percent or so of the population. This has… Read more › Act in 2023, introducing among other things the “Opportunity Card”. This visa enables qualified professionals who fulfil certain conditions to come to Germany for a year to search for work. Germany also intends to speed up visa approvals and conduct more of the process digitally.