Common questions about relocating

Holders can bring their spouse and minor children to Germany. Family members may also receive work permits, allowing them to join the workforce. This feature enhances the attractiveness of job offers, a key consideration for HR professionals crafting competitive packages.

No. As a spouse of an EU national, an A1 certificate is not required.

Yes. As a spouse of a German national, it is mandatory to present an A1 certificate while applying for family reunion.

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If the person holding a residence permit / visa as per § 16b AufenthG has already been married to his*her spouse at the moment of issuing the permit / visa and if this person’s intended duration of stay exceeds one year, the spouse as well as the children are eligible for family reunion.

If the marriage was solemnized after the issuance of visa, it will be at the discretion of the clearance officer only, whether family reunion will be approved or not. In order to apply for family reunion, please read the respective checklist thoroughly.

The list is refreshed annually by the Federal Employment Agency, reflecting labor market trends.In 2025, over 70 occupations are classified as bottleneck professions. Healthcare, IT, engineering, and education are hit hardest by shortages. Germany is eager to welcome skilled immigrants to fill these gaps.

HR teams need to consider:    

• Visa Compliance: Ensure the job offer meets visa criteria (e.g., salary, contract terms).
• Qualification Recognition: Help candidates get foreign credentials recognized, especially for regulated fields like healthcare.
• Language: German skills may not be mandatory for some visas but can aid workplace success.
• Support: Assist with family reunification or relocation logistics.

Several visa types cater to these high-demand roles:    

• EU Blue Card: Perfect for skilled workers in bottleneck professions. Benefits include a lower salary threshold (e.g., €43,759.80 in 2025) and simpler family reunification rules.
• Opportunity Card: A points-based system for job seekers. Bottleneck professions earn you extra points, boosting your approval odds.
• Work Visa for Qualified Professionals: For those with recognized qualifications in shortage roles.