🇩🇪 Top 5 European Countries Offering the Largest Immigration Slots in 2025
Europe’s labour-shortage crisis is forcing governments to open their doors wider than ever. If you’re planning a move in 2025, start with these five countries — each has the highest publicly announced quotas or targets for new migrants this year.
1. Germany — 400,000 Skilled-Worker Places per Year
Germany’s re-engineered Skilled-Worker Act aims to attract about 400,000 qualified migrants annually to keep its economy running. Reforms in November 2024–January 2025 simplified recognition of foreign degrees and created a new “opportunity card” that gives jobseekers residence rights before securing work.
Source: https://etias.com/articles/germany-boosts-professional-visa-access-to-address-labor-shortages
Why it’s easy in 2025
- Faster visa processing through digital portals
- Lower salary thresholds for some shortage occupations
- Points-based jobseeker visa (no offer needed)
2. Spain — Up to 300,000 Regularisations a Year
Madrid’s May 2025 immigration overhaul plans to legalise about 300,000 undocumented workers annually while extending job-seeker visas and easing family permits. The goal: plug gaps in hospitality, tech and care work.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spain-regularise-about-300000-undocumented-migrants-per-year-2024-11-19/
Why it’s easy in 2025
- Streamlined online residence applications
- Extended job-seeker visa (12 → 24 months)
- Work-while-study hours for international students raised to 30 per week
Recommended: Germany Makes Relocation Easier for Skilled Workers in 2025 – EU Blue Cards Program
3. Italy — 165,000 Work-Permit Quotas
The 2025 Decreto Flussi raises Italy’s non-EU work-permit ceiling to 165,000 slots (110 k seasonal + 70.7 k non-seasonal + 0.7 k self-employment). Applications opened in late 2024 and are still being allocated.
Source: https://schengenvisainfo.com/news/these-2-countries-will-issue-more-work-visas-for-foreign-workers-in-2025/
Why it’s easy in 2025
- Online click-through filing; no Italian language proof for seasonal roles
- Three-year permits for many building and care jobs
- Additional mini-quotas released mid-year if slots remain
4. France — Needs 250,000–310,000 Foreign Workers Annually
A 2025 report for the French government projects up to 310,000 new foreign workers needed each year to offset demographic decline. New rules fast-track residence cards for staff in 30+ shortage occupations and simplify on-arrival work visas.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/france-needs-310000-foreign-workers-best-work-visa-options-2025/
Why it’s easy in 2025
- Sector-based “talent-shortage” permits with lower salary floors
- 4-year multi-entry cards for STEM and health professionals
- Regularisation channel for undocumented workers in priority trades
5. Portugal — “Green-Lane” Work Visas in 20 Days
Portugal has no formal cap, but its new 20-day ‘green-lane’ visa lets companies bring in foreign staff in record time, responding to soaring labour demand (foreigners now 15 % of the population).
Source: https://www.jobbatical.com/blog/portugal-20-day-work-visa
Why it’s easy in 2025
- Consulates must decide within 20 days once a contract is uploaded
- No labour-market test for most shortage roles
- Path to permanent residence after five years
Quick Comparison
| Country | Announced 2025 Intake | Fast-Track Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 400 k skilled workers | Points-based “opportunity card” |
| Spain | 300 k regularisations | 24-month job-seeker visa |
| Italy | 165 k quota visas | Online Decreto Flussi system |
| France | 250–310 k workers | 4-year talent-shortage permit |
| Portugal | Uncapped, 20-day approvals | Green-lane employer channel |
Final Tips for Applicants
- Match a shortage list. Each country publishes in-demand occupations—use them.
- Prepare digital copies. All five systems now accept PDFs; originals only later.
- Watch opening dates. Italy and Spain use first-come, first-served portals.
Choose the route that fits your profile, gather certified documents early, and you could land a European residence permit before 2025 ends.
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