Attracting and retaining international talent

Nationals from the EU, the European Economic Area and Switzerland can work without a special permit thanks to the free movement of workers. Persons from third countries generally require a residence permit and a work permit.

The FEG facilitates the immigration of qualified skilled workers from third countries, simplifies procedures and creates more opportunities for companies to hire suitable talent from abroad. It regulates amendments to various federal laws and ordinances, in particular the Residence Act (AufenthG) and the Employment Ordinance (BeschV).

Citizens of countries other than the EU/EEA and Switzerland require a residence and work permit to take up employment or training.

To enter Saxony, you must apply for a visa at the responsible diplomatic mission in your home country. An application for a residence permit must be submitted to the local foreigners authority in good time before the visa expires. The electronic residence permit (eAT) is issued in the form of a chip card.

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Great Britain and the USA may enter Germany without a visa if they apply for a residence permit at the relevant immigration authority within 90 days of entering the country.

The area Finding talent offers comprehensive information on the possibilities of international recruitment. You will learn how to make your jobs internationally visible, use public support offers and services and use networks to find suitable candidates.

It is best to first use the quick checkto find the right steps for your specific stage in the recruitment process.

Check the following for the candidate:

• If the person comes from a third country, they must obtain a visa from the relevant diplomatic mission in their home country. visa as a skilled worker or for vocational training.
• If the skilled worker has completed a profession or course of study abroad, you must check whether the activity requires recognition of the foreign qualification is required for the job.
• You can use the accelerated skilled worker procedure to shorten the visa procedure and the recognition procedure for the foreign qualification.
• A recognition partnership offers the opportunity to employ a skilled worker and carry out the recognition procedure after entry.

The duration of the procedure varies depending on the country of origin and individual requirements. In any case, all documents must be submitted in full for the application.

With the accelerated skilled worker procedure gives you the opportunity to shorten the visa procedure and entry time.

You can find an overview of visa types and the most important requirements and options for the entry of your new international employees under Visas and residence.

Your new skilled worker can obtain an entry visa more quickly if you apply for the accelerated skilled worker procedure. This can be applied for at the local immigration authority with your candidate's power of attorney. The foreigners authority will coordinate the procedure with all agencies involved. Prerequisites are a binding employment or training contract and the payment of a processing fee of 411 euros.

You can find your local foreigners authority on Amt24. Contact the Immigration Information Centers or the regional Welcome Centers for assistance with the application process.

Further information on the procedure can be found in the section Hiring talent - The accelerated skilled worker procedure.

Residence permit

• If you wish to employ an international skilled worker, you are obliged to check whether you have a valid residence permit that allows employment. The same applies to a training relationship.
• Make a note of the duration of the visa and assist them in applying for a residence permit at the local immigration officein good time before the visa expires. It may take several weeks or months for the visa to be issued.
• If you terminate your employment or training relationship prematurely, you must inform the immigration authority within four weeks of becoming aware of this.

Information about counseling services

• You are obliged to inform your international skilled workers in writing about the free "Fair Integration" advice service on the first day of work at the latest and to pass on the contact details of the advice center nearest to the workplace.
• "Fair Integration" provides an information sheet for employees in several languages, which you can give to your international skilled worker. You can also have them sign it directly to confirm receipt.
• If the international skilled worker was placed with you via a service provider, the service provider is obliged to inform the skilled worker about the advisory service.

• Prepare for your arrival: Support you with your first steps in Saxony, such as finding accommodation, dealing with the authorities for the first time and getting to know your company.
• Promote German language skills: Good German language skills will help your new employee find their way around Saxony more quickly. Give your employees tips on learning German at an early stage and support them in learning alongside their job.
• Fair integration information obligation: Inform your international skilled workers in writing about the free "Fair Integration" advice service on the first day of work at the latest and pass on the contact details of the relevant advice center.
• Onboarding and integration: Tips for a successful start in the team and dealing with cultural differences can be found under Onboarding and Intercultural competence in the team.

Yes, there are regional and nationwide programs, e.g. financial grants for recruitment and sustainable integration. You can find more information under Funding opportunities for companies.