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Notable WorkVisa

Western Balkans work quota doubled to 50,000 and made permanent

Effective date: 1 June 2024 · Source: § 26 Abs. 2 BeschV (gesetze-im-internet.de) ↗

Since 1 June 2024 up to 50,000 nationals of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia can take any job in Germany each year — no qualification or language requirement. The rule is now permanent.

What changed

The previous annual cap of 25,000 was doubled and the sunset clause removed (§ 26 Abs. 2 BeschV). Monthly per-country sub-quotas still apply.

Who is affected

What to do

Secure a binding job offer and have your employer file the Federal Employment Agency approval early in the year — the quota can fill up.

Affected guides

Western Balkans Rule

Last verified: 21 July 2026