Right now, many countries are making it harder to move there. The UK has announced a longer road to settlement. Canada is cutting the number of new students and workers. The US is tightening its rules too.
But Germany is doing something different. It is changing its immigration rules as well, and some of these changes actually make things easier for foreign skilled workers.
If you're a doctor, nurse, engineer, IT worker, or anyone thinking about Germany, even as a plan B, here are the 3 new Germany work visa rules you need to know before you apply. One of them could decide whether you qualify for a visa at all.
Change 1: Foreign Doctors – The Exam Now Comes First
This change is for doctors who got their medical degree outside the EU. To work as a doctor in Germany, you need a full medical licence, called the Approbation.
How it worked before
Until now, the usual process was: You sent all your documents. The authorities compared your degree with a German medical degree. This is called a document check. If they found big differences, you then had to take an exam. This process could take a very long time.
What changed on 1 November 2026
Since 1 November 2026, the order flips. The exam now comes first. The exam is called the Kenntnisprüfung, which simply means "knowledge exam". It is now the normal route to getting your licence.
Here are the key points:
You can still ask for the old document check, but you must ask within four weeks of applying. Once you choose, you can't change your mind.
Less paperwork: if you go straight for the exam, you don't need to translate and certify documents that were only needed for the document check, like detailed course descriptions. That can save you time and money.
Applied by 31 October 2026? The old rules still apply to you.
The goal of the new law is simple: faster, simpler recognition for health professionals in Germany. If you're a doctor planning to move to Germany, start preparing for the Kenntnisprüfung and your German language skills now.
Change 2: More Time If You Lose Your Job
This change is for skilled workers already in Germany. Since late July 2026, there are better protections for foreign workers.
Fixed-term contract? Your permit lasts longer
If your work contract is only for a set time, your residence permit now lasts for the length of your contract plus six months. Before, you usually only got three extra months.
If your job ends early
According to the new rules, if your job ends earlier than expected, you will still have at least six months left on your residence permit, counted from the day your job ends. That gives you time to find a new job. And if there are good reasons to believe your employer exploited you at work, that period can go up to nine months.
Want to know where you fit in these categories? Book a one-on-one Consultation and let’s map out your best PR pathway together.
Why this matters
Losing your job is scary when your visa depends on it. Many people worry they'll have to leave Germany straight away.
Now you have breathing space: time to find a new job without panicking. And the extra protection for exploited workers means people can leave a bad employer without losing everything overnight.
Important: When your job ends, the immigration office, called the Ausländerbehörde, needs to know. Don't ignore it. Speak to them early.
Change 3: The EU Blue Card Salary Is Going Up
This change is coming soon, and it's about money. The EU Blue Card is one of the most popular ways to work in Germany as a skilled worker. But you need to earn a minimum salary.
Blue Card minimum salary 2026
Level Minimum salary per year (2026)
Standard €50,700
Lower level €45,934.20
The lower level applies to shortage occupations, recent graduates, and IT specialists without a degree.
Blue Card salary 2027: what's expected
These numbers go up every year because they're linked to a German social security figure, the pension contribution ceiling, which rises each year. The official 2027 numbers have not been announced yet. They're expected in December 2026. But based on draft figures, a German immigration law firm estimates:
Level 2026 2027 (estimate)
Standard €50,700 about €53,100
Lower level €45,934.20 about €48,108.60
The German government cabinet has already approved the figure these estimates are based on, but it still needs final approval. So treat these numbers as very close, but not official yet.
What this means for you
If your job offer is just above this year's minimum, be careful. Next year's minimum could be higher than your salary.
Talk to your employer early, and if you can, aim for a salary that's comfortably above the expected 2027 level, not just this year's.
Not sure which group you fall into or what to do first? Book a one-on-one consultation and get a clear, personalized plan.
What to Do Now: Your Checklist
Doctors: Check which rules apply to you, and start preparing for the knowledge exam and your German now.
Workers already in Germany: Know your permit end date. If your job ends, tell the immigration office and use your extra time wisely.
Blue Card applicants: Check your salary against the expected 2027 levels, not just this year's.
Use official sources: Always check official German government websites, or ask the immigration office in your city.
Avoid scams: Never pay anyone for a "guaranteed" job or visa in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Kenntnisprüfung in Germany?
The Kenntnisprüfung is a knowledge exam for doctors with a medical degree from outside the EU. Since 1 November 2026, it is the normal route to getting a full German medical licence (Approbation).
Can foreign doctors still choose the document check?
Yes. You can ask for the document check instead, but you must ask within four weeks of applying, and you can't change your choice later.
What happens if I lose my job in Germany on a work visa?
Under the July 2026 changes, you should have at least six months left on your residence permit from the day your job ends, or up to nine months if you were exploited. Tell your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) as soon as possible.
What is the EU Blue Card minimum salary in Germany for 2026?
€50,700 a year for the standard level, and €45,934.20 a year for shortage occupations, recent graduates, and IT specialists without a degree.
What will the Blue Card salary be in 2027?
The official figures are expected in December 2026. Based on draft figures, they are estimated at about €53,100 (standard) and about €48,108.60 (lower level).
Is it easier to move to Germany than the UK or Canada?
In some ways, yes. Germany is adding protections for foreign workers and speeding up recognition for doctors, while other countries are tightening their rules. But you still need to meet the requirements, including salary and, for many jobs, German language skills.
Watch the Full Video
Prefer to watch? I explain all three Germany work visa changes in simple words in my YouTube video: [ADD YOUTUBE LINK]
Official Sources
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Rules can change, and the 2027 Blue Card figures are estimates until officially published. For advice on your own situation, speak to a qualified immigration lawyer in Germany or your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).