Germany to halve annual work visa quota for Western Balkans

The German federal government has decided to reduce the annual quota for work visas under the Western Balkans Regulation. Starting January 1, 2027, the annual limit will be halved from 50,000 to 25,000 visas for workers from the six Western Balkan countries.

While the program remains in effect, the reduction is expected to make it more difficult for citizens from the region, including Serbia, to obtain work permits. The decision was part of a coalition agreement between the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats. Implementation had previously been delayed due to pressure from the construction industry, which relies heavily on foreign labor.

The Western Balkans Regulation allows citizens to obtain work visas based on job offers without undergoing lengthy qualification recognition processes. High demand for labor continues in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare, particularly for roles like masons, carpenters, and medical staff.