Germany’s Work and Stay Agency Plan Aims to Simplify Immigration for Skilled Workers

Germany is continuing discussions around a planned Work and Stay Agency, a major immigration reform intended to make it easier for skilled foreign workers to move to the country.

The proposal was presented as a one-stop solution that could bring together visa procedures, immigration services and employment-related administration.

However, reporting in September 2026 indicates that several practical questions about how the agency will operate are still being discussed by officials. The Local

Germany has faced persistent shortages of skilled workers in sectors including construction, healthcare, engineering, IT and other technical professions.

The government has already introduced several immigration reforms in recent years aimed at making Germany more attractive to qualified workers from outside the European Union.

The proposed Work and Stay Agency is intended to reduce one of the most common complaints among international applicants: fragmented procedures involving different authorities, long waiting times and unclear responsibilities.

For employers, a more centralized system could also make international recruitment easier.

For applicants, the main benefit could be a clearer process from job offer to visa application and residence status.

However, the system is still under development, meaning foreign workers should continue following current visa and immigration procedures until official implementation details are announced.

Germany remains one of the most closely watched destinations for international workers because of its skilled labor demand and ongoing immigration reforms.