Germany doubles Work Visa opportunities for Western Balkans

Starting June 1st, 2024, Germany is doubling the number of work visas available to citizens of Western Balkan countries to 50,000 per year. This move aims to address Germany's demand for skilled workers and offer new opportunities for people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

This change follows the German Parliament’s decision to extend the Western Balkan Regulation indefinitely. This regulation simplifies access to the German labor market for these countries for any type of employment in non-regulated occupations.

At the end of 2023, around 76,000 citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia held work permits in Germany.

From June, the visa application process under the Western Regulation will change. Previously, Germany used a lottery system for these visas. However, now that the rules are expected to change, applicants should no longer be subject to this system. German authorities have yet to reveal any additional information on the matter. 

The last lottery drawing for visa appointments occurred between May 7th and May 14th.

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