You may have heard the news: the German elections of 2025 have just ended. But what does this mean in concrete terms for you, if you are considering going to Germany to work, study or simply visit this country in the heart of Europe? This is precisely the question we will answer today.
The CDU/CSU, the conservative alliance, won with 28.6 percent of the vote, and Friedrich Merz is expected to take over as chancellor. But the real surprise was the AfD, the far-right party, which came out on top with 20.8 percent of the vote, a score not seen in decades. Immigration was a hot topic during the campaign, and with these results, we can expect changes.
Contents
The New German Political Landscape: Who's in Charge and Why Does It Matter?
First, let's do a quick overview. The CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, won, but without a landslide majority. The AfD, with its muscular anti-immigration rhetoric, doubled its score compared to 2021. Olaf Scholz's SPD took a slap in the face with only 16 %, and the Greens and the FDP, former coalition partners, also lost feathers.
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The formation of a government coalition in Germany is often a complex process that can take several weeks. This coalition largely determines the direction of migration policies for the years to come.
Traditionally, parties like the CDU/CSU (Christian Democratic Union) have taken a pragmatic approach to immigration, recognizing both the country's economic needs and security concerns. The SPD (Social Democratic Party) has generally supported a more open immigration policy, while the AfD (Alternative for Germany) has advocated more restrictive positions.
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After the elections, the CDU/CSU, which came in first with 28.6% of the vote, is seeking to form a government coalition. Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservatives, ruled out any alliance with the AfD, the second largest political force with 20.8 %, due to its extreme positions. The most likely coalition seems to be a "GroKo" (grand coalition) with the SPD, despite the significant differences between the two parties on issues such as migration and economic policy. The SPD, weakened by its worst score in 80 years (16 %), could accept this alliance out of necessity. Negotiations should be quick to allow Germany to regain an active role on the international scene, with the aim of forming a government by Easter 2025
Why does this matter to you? Because the winners will shape the rules of the game for immigration. The CDU/CSU wants stricter border controls and more “selective” immigration. The AfD, even though it will not be in power, is putting on pressure with radical ideas like deporting some immigrants. As a result, the tone is likely to harden, and that could complicate your plans if you are targeting Germany.
Where is immigration in Germany today?
Before we talk about the changes, let's take a look at the current situation. Here are the basics:
- Skilled workers from outside the EU : If you have specific skills (think tech, healthcare, engineering), Germany welcomes you with a points-based system for visas.
- EU citizens : No hassle here, you can work in Germany without a visa, complete freedom.
- Students : You need to be admitted to a German university and prove that you can pay your bills. Then you have 18 months to find a job after your studies.
- Tourists : If you are coming from a country like Canada or the United States, you do not need a 90-day visa. Otherwise, you need a Schengen visa.
This is the status quo for now, but with the new government, these rules could be shaken up. So what to expect?
Possible changes: A breath of fresh air for immigration policies?
With the CDU/CSU in power, immigration is likely to become more complicated. Here are the likely paths:
- Borders under high surveillance : Merz speaks of increased controls and closed centres for undocumented asylum seekers. This could make entry more difficult.
- Fewer options for the unskilled : If you don't have specific skills, getting a visa could be an obstacle course.
- Students under pressure : The 18 months to find a job after studies? Perhaps reduced to 12, or even less.
- Tourists under scrutiny : No major upheavals, but more questions on arrival or stricter visa requirements.
These ideas are not yet official, but they are in line with campaign promises. If you have Germany in your sights, you better anticipate a stricter framework.
Professional immigration: what is changing for foreign workers
Germany is facing a major demographic challenge: its population is ageing and its labour market is suffering from a shortage of skilled workers. According to estimates by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), the country will need around 400,000 immigrants per year to maintain its labour force at a stable level.
The European Blue Card: developments and relaxations
The EU Blue Card, introduced in 2012, remains one of the main ways for non-EU skilled workers to settle in Germany. Following the elections, there could be some notable changes to this scheme:
- Adjustment of the minimum salary thresholds required to be eligible
- Expansion of sectors considered priorities
- Simplification of administrative procedures
To give you a concrete idea, let's take the example of Mohammed, a Moroccan engineer in artificial intelligence. Before the elections, he had to prove an annual salary of at least 56,800 euros to be eligible for the blue card. The new measures could lower this threshold to 49,000 euros in this sector under pressure, making his immigration project more accessible.
The job search visa: a tool that is still in place?
Visit visa for job search allows qualified professionals to come to Germany for six months to look for work. This innovative scheme was a very popular German feature.
Will the new administration maintain, strengthen or restrict this system? This is a crucial question for many would-be immigrants.
Focus on sectors under pressure: health, IT, engineering
Sectors with shortages of skilled personnel generally benefit from more favourable immigration conditions. After the elections, particular attention could be paid to the following areas:
- Health (doctors, nurses, healthcare staff)
- Information technology (developers, data scientists)
- Engineering (mechanics, electronics, construction)
- Education (teachers, researchers)
- Specialized crafts (electricians, plumbers)
If you work in one of these sectors, your chances of obtaining a work visa may be enhanced, even in a potentially more restrictive political environment.
Learning German: a higher requirement?
German language proficiency has always been considered an important factor for integration. Recent elections could lead to a strengthening of language requirements:
- Level B1 potentially required before arrival for certain types of visas
- Increase in compulsory integration courses
- More rigorous language tests
As a German proverb says so well: "Neue Sprache, neues Leben" (New language, new life). Investing in learning German is probably one of the best assets for your immigration project.
Student immigration: is Germany still a preferred destination?
With over 400,000 international students, Germany was already one of the world's most popular destinations for higher education. Will this attractiveness continue after the 2025 elections?
Tuition fees and scholarships: possible changes
One of the main attractions of Germany for foreign students was the absence or low tuition fees at public universities. Is this model being challenged by the new administration?
There are rumours that some Länder (regions) will introduce reduced fees for non-EU students. However, even if these changes come to fruition, they would probably still be much lower than the costs in countries such as the US, the UK or Australia.
At the same time, the scholarship system could be readjusted to target more talented students in areas that are strategic for the German economy.
Student visa: simplified or strengthened procedures?
Obtaining a student visa for Germany involves several steps:
- Admission to a German higher education institution
- Proof of sufficient financial resources
- Subscription to health insurance
- Demonstration of adequate language skills
Following the elections, some of these requirements could be changed. For example, the amount of the blocked account (currently around 11,000 euros) could be increased to ensure that students have sufficient resources to live in Germany.
Post-graduation opportunities: a continued asset?
One of the great advantages of the German system was the possibility for international graduates to stay for 18 months after their studies to look for a job. Will this transition period be maintained, extended or reduced?
The example of Sofia, a Brazilian civil engineering student, illustrates the importance of this issue. After completing her master's degree at the Technical University of Munich, she was able to use this 18-month period to land a job at a construction company in Hamburg, transforming her status from student to skilled worker.
Focus on the recognition of foreign diplomas
Recognition of qualifications obtained abroad is often a major obstacle for students and professionals wishing to settle in Germany. The new government could:
- Speeding up recognition procedures
- Expand the list of automatically recognized diplomas
- Building bridges between certain foreign education systems and the German system
Tourism and short-stay visas: what changes are on the horizon?
Tourism is an important economic sector for Germany, with over 39 million international visitors before the pandemic. How might tourist visa policies change following the election?
Schengen Visa: procedures and criteria for obtaining it
For many non-EU nationals, access to Germany requires obtaining a Schengen visa. While the general rules are defined at European level, each country retains some leeway in their application.
The new German government could adopt a more or less strict approach in examining tourist visa applications, particularly concerning:
- Migration risk assessment
- Required financial supporting documents
- Required insurance
Business tourism: a preserved strategic sector?
Germany, with its numerous trade fairs and international conferences, is a major destination for business tourism. Frankfurt Messe, Hannover Messe or the ITB Berlin trade fair attract hundreds of thousands of trade visitors every year.
To preserve this position, the new government could maintain, or even facilitate, access to the territory for legitimate business travellers, even in the event of a general tightening of migration policies.
Visas for family visits: what developments?
Family visits are a common reason for applying for a visa to Germany. After the elections, the criteria for obtaining these visas could be adjusted:
- Possible strengthening of return guarantees
- Increased accommodation and support requirements
- Stricter controls on family ties
The impact of new migration policies on different regions of the world
The impact of the German elections on immigration will not be uniform and will vary depending on the regions of origin of the potential immigrants.
Africa: what prospects?
In recent years, Germany has strengthened its cooperation with several African countries, particularly within the framework of the " Compact with Africa " launched during the German presidency of the G20.
Following the elections, this cooperation could be:
- Strengthened in certain strategic sectors (renewable energies, digital)
- Conditioned on better regulation of migratory flows
- More focused on professional training and university exchanges
For Aminata, a Senegalese IT professional, these developments could translate into increased opportunities through targeted mobility programs, but potentially also stricter controls on her visa application.
Middle East: between humanitarian reception and qualified immigration
Germany's approach to immigration from the Middle East has been shaped in recent years by the refugee crisis of 2015-2016. The new policy guidelines could distinguish more clearly:
- Humanitarian reception (potentially more restrictive)
- Skilled economic immigration (possibly encouraged in certain sectors)
- University exchange programs (probably maintained)
Asia: focus on highly qualified immigration
Asian countries, especially China, India and the ASEAN countries, represent an important source of skilled workers and students for Germany.
The new administration could reinforce this trend by:
- Facilitating the mobility of highly qualified professionals
- Developing targeted university partnerships
- Simplifying procedures for certain highly sought-after profiles
Latin America: cultural links to be promoted
Germany has strong historical and cultural ties with several Latin American countries. These relationships could influence post-election migration policies through:
- Maintaining or strengthening cultural and academic exchange programs
- Facilities for people of German origin (program for the return of descendants of German emigrants)
- Specific agreements in certain professional sectors
The role of the Länder in migration policy
A particularity of the German system is the importance of the Länder (federal states) in the implementation of migration policies. This federal dimension could be accentuated after the elections.
Differentiated policies according to regions
Some Länder, facing particular demographic and economic challenges, could develop specific initiatives to attract qualified migrants:
- Reinforced reception programs in rural areas
- Incentives for settling in the eastern regions of the country
- Language and integration support adapted to local contexts
Concrete example: Bavaria vs Berlin
To illustrate these regional differences, let's compare two potential approaches:
Bavaria : economically prosperous but politically more conservative, Bavaria could adopt a very selective approach to immigration, targeting primarily highly qualified profiles corresponding to the needs of its cutting-edge industry.
Berlin : cosmopolitan capital and European startup hub, Berlin could maintain a more open policy, particularly towards creative talents, entrepreneurs and digital professionals.
This diversity of approaches offers immigration candidates the possibility of identifying the German region most favorable to their profile and their project.
Integration: cornerstone of new policies
Beyond entry and residence conditions, integration measures constitute a fundamental aspect of German migration policies that could be significantly influenced by electoral results.
Integration course: probable reinforcement
The famous "Integrationskurse" (integration courses) combining language learning and an introduction to German culture and values could see their importance increased:
- Possible increase in the number of compulsory hours
- Extension to new categories of migrants
- More rigorous assessments of progress
Access to the labour market: key to economic integration
Professional integration remains a pillar of German migration policy. New measures could include:
- Enhanced mentoring programs
- Vocational training adapted to migrants
- Incentives for employers hiring people with immigrant backgrounds
Access to housing: a growing challenge
In a context of tension on the German real estate market, access to housing represents a major challenge for new arrivals. New initiatives could be developed:
- Rental guarantee programs for skilled migrants
- Development of temporary housing solutions
- Fight against discrimination in access to housing
How to prepare for the new requirements?
Faced with these potential developments, how can you maximize your chances of making your immigration project to Germany a reality?
Anticipating administrative changes
First tip: stay informed of regulatory developments by regularly consulting:
- The website of the German Embassy in your country
- The official portal "Make it in Germany"
- Specialized forums like Toytown Germany
Investing in learning German
In a potentially more demanding political context in terms of integration, mastery of the German language becomes an even more decisive asset:
- Aim for at least level B1 before your arrival
- Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary specific to your professional field
- Practice regularly via online language tandems
Building a solid case
The quality and completeness of your file can make the difference:
- Gather all supporting documents for your qualifications (with certified translations)
- Document your professional experience in detail
- Prepare solid evidence of your financial resources
Expand your professional network in Germany
Professional contacts can make your installation much easier:
- Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry in Germany
- Participate in webinars and virtual events organized by German companies
- Connect with people from your country who have successfully settled in Germany
Conclusion: adapting to new realities
The 2025 German elections undoubtedly mark a turning point for the country’s migration policies. However, Germany still faces demographic and economic challenges that require a continued influx of international talent.
Potential immigrants who can adapt to the new requirements – by relying on their qualifications, language skills and ability to integrate – will continue to find their place in German society.
As a German proverb says: "Veränderung ist die einzige Konstante" (Change is the only constant). This wisdom applies perfectly to the evolution of migration policies.
Are you considering an immigration project to Germany? Share your experience or your questions in the comments below. And if this article was helpful to you, feel free to share it with others who might be interested in this topic!
Note: This article was written in February 2025 based on the information available at that time. As migration policies are subject to change, we recommend that you always check information with official sources before taking any action.
