Labour migration
Highly skilled workers can settle permanently, self-employed persons may immigrate...
Labour migration is governed by the Residence Act, the ordinance governing residence and the ordinance on the admission of foreigners for the purpose of taking up employment (BeschV). The Residence Act establishes the principle that the employment and self-employment of foreigners are to be oriented on Germany's economic needs, taking into account the labour market situation and the need to reduce unemployment.
The ban on recruiting foreign labour remains in effect for unskilled and less-skilled workers; even skilled workers will be granted work permits only in exceptional cases. On the other hand, conditions for highly skilled workers and their families have now been improved under residence law. Self-employed persons may be granted permission to work if exceptional economic interest or special regional needs exist, if the planned business is expected to have a positive economic effect, if it has secure financing and if it creates jobs. Self-employed persons may be granted a settlement permit after three years if their business is successful and their livelihood is assured (Section 21 of the Residence Act).