Berlin, Germany - Germany has expanded family reunification rights for skilled immigrants under its recent immigration law reforms. As of March 1, 2024, the parents of foreigners who first obtain an EU Blue Card, Mobile ICT Card, or residence permit can now apply for family reunion residency permits. This applies to individuals holding high-skilled positions such as executives, managers, scientists, engineers, and teachers.
The new regulations also reduce the waiting period for permanent residence for Blue Card holders and their families. Blue Card holders can now apply for settlement permits after 27 months (or 21 months with B1 German proficiency), while university graduates can gain permanent residency after two years of continuous employment following the completion of their degrees or vocational training. Furthermore, the reforms simplify the application process for family reunion, eliminating the need to prove sufficient living space for family members.