Immigration Update

New Employer Information Requirements to Support International Workers
Legal Regulation

New Employer Information Requirements to Support International Workers

December 20, 2025
3 min read

What changed

Following the enactment of the Act on the Further Development of Skilled Labor Immigration, the German government has finalized new employer obligations that will take effect on January 1, 2026. Companies in Germany are now legally required to provide all newly recruited non-EU professionals with a comprehensive information sheet regarding their rights to labor and social law counseling during their first day of work.

Why it matters

  • Increased Awareness New arrivals will receive direct contact details for local counseling centers that offer free advice on employment contracts, insurance, and workplace rights.
  • Smoother Integration By standardizing the information provided by employers, the government aims to reduce initial administrative confusion for those moving under local contracts.
  • Language Support Many of these designated counseling centers provide assistance in multiple languages, helping bridge the gap for those still learning German.
  • Proactive Compliance The regulation ensures that your employer is transparent about the support systems available to you from the very start of your tenure.
  • Protection of Rights This measure reinforces Germany's commitment to ensuring international workers are treated fairly and are well-informed about the local social security system.

Who is affected

This change applies to all non-EU skilled workers who are recruited from abroad and enter into a local German employment contract.

What to do next

  • Review Your Onboarding If you are starting a new role in 2026, look for the official "Information Sheet" in your welcome package or contract documents on your first day.
  • Save Local Contacts Keep the contact details of the nearest labor counseling center (Beratungsstelle) handy in case you have questions about your social security or labor law.
  • Verify with HR Ask your HR department about the specific counseling centers they are partnered with to ensure you have the most up-to-date local office information.