The conservative alliance won Germany’s 2025 national parliamentary election. Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has come out on top, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has made its strongest showing yet.

With immigration as one of the hottest topics during the campaign period, this political shift could have a meaningful impact on global mobility, employee relocation, and immigration policies in Germany. What can businesses hiring international talent in Germany expect? 

This blog post helps you plan ahead for potential changes affecting visa rules, skilled worker programs, and compliance requirements. 

How Could the New Government Change Immigration Policies?

The CDU’s plans point to a tougher stance on immigration, especially when it comes to border controls and social benefits for non-residents. While their focus is mainly on reducing unregulated migration and managing refugees, it’s expected some measures will still reflect on skilled worker mobility. 

• Stricter border enforcement: The CDU has promised stricter checks at borders, which could impact the ease of entry for international professionals.
• Prioritization of national laws over EU regulations: The party suggests prioritizing German law over European Union rules, potentially leading to adjustments in compliance with EU mobility frameworks.
• Potential influence of the far-right AfD: AfD’s strong election performance may push the government towards even more restrictive immigration policies, especially around family reunification.

What Are the Potential Impacts on Businesses Hiring Foreign Workers?

Even with stricter immigration rules on the table, Germany’s economy still needs migration to grow. The country is facing a serious shortage of skilled workers, and employers in the private sector argue that immigrants are essential to filling these gaps. Without additional immigration, Germany’s workforce could shrink from 46.4 million to 35.1 million by 2060. To meet future labor market needs, experts estimate Germany will need around 288,000 international workers every year by 2040.

Recognizing this, the CDU also has plans to make it easier for skilled professionals to live and work in Germany:

• Faster visa processing for skilled workers: While general immigration rules might tighten, Germany’s need for skilled labor means highly qualified professionals could still benefit from smoother processes. The CDU wants to simplify the recognition of foreign qualifications and set up a digital "Work-and-Stay Agency" to handle recruitment, visas, and residence permits.
• Simplifying the recognition of foreign qualifications: The CDU should continue previous efforts to digitalize application procedures, reduce requirements for German translations, and standardize assessments across German states.
• New German language and integration courses: CDU wants better integration of migrants through German language courses and cultural programs.
• Business-friendly economic policies: The CDU is pushing for lower corporate taxes and less bureaucracy, which could make Germany a more attractive place for businesses, even with stricter immigration rules.

Post-election Takeaways for Businesses

Germany’s new government is likely to bring in stricter immigration rules while still supporting skilled labor migration. Employers, especially in STEM fields, could benefit from simpler pathways for skilled workers. Paired with business-friendly policies, these changes have the potential to make hiring global talent in Germany simpler.

Even so, the government’s traditional views on German society and culture could lead to new integration requirements, which might make it harder to attract and especially retain international employees.

It’s important to note that while the CDU’s plans signal potential shifts in immigration policies, the new government has not yet taken office, and any changes will take time to finalize and implement.

Relocating global professionals to Germany?

Our local experts keep up with political changes and immigration updates to make global mobility easier for you and your team. We’ll help you stay on top of any new requirements and make sure your global mobility strategy is up to date, helping you secure the talent your business needs to grow. 

Talk to our team for a personalized consultation. We’ll work with you to understand your employee relocation needs and find the best solutions for your team.