Visa as a skilled worker
Germany needs skilled workers. However, if you want to work in Germany and do not yet live here, you will need a corresponding residence permit. This is called a "residence permit for qualified employment" and is regulated in Section 18a or Section 18b (1) of the Residence Act. For many citizens from non-EU countries, however, the first step is to apply for a corresponding visa. This allows you to enter Germany with a residence permit and start your work. Here you can find out which requirements you must meet for the visa or residence permit as a skilled worker.
Please note:On July 7, 2023, a new law was passed regarding the immigration of skilled workers to Germany. It contains numerous changes and innovations as well as simplifications to make Germany more attractive for skilled workers. It is not yet clear exactly when the various changes and innovations will be introduced. When the time comes, we will publish updates on our website. We recommend that you visit our website regularly to stay well informed.
If you have any further questions, you can also contact our community platform "Together in Germany", our community managers will be happy to answer your questions!
What do I need to know?
What can I get a work visa for?
You can apply for a visa / residence permit for Germany if you would like to work as a skilled worker in Germany and are offered a qualified job by a company. Skilled workers are persons with a qualified vocational training recognized in Germany or a university degree recognized in Germany. A qualified job is a job for which training or studies are required.
Where do I apply for a visa?
If you need a visa to enter Germany, you must first apply for a visa at the German embassy/consulate in your home country or a neighboring country and present the above-mentioned documents there.
Please note that it may take several months to process your visa application.
If you do not need a visa to enter Germany, please report to the immigration office at your new place of residence after entering the country and present the required documents there.
Whether you need a visa depends on your country of origin. At auswaertiges-amt.de. you will find a list of countries whose citizens need a visa to enter Germany.
What documents do I need to apply for a visa?
In our chapter"National visa" you will find a list of all the documents that all third-country nationals need for a national visa.
For a visa as a skilled worker, you also need the following documents:
- Proof that you have successfully completed vocational training recognized in Germany or a course of study recognized in Germany.
- An employment contract or a concrete job offer from Germany.
- If you are older than 45, you must also have sufficient pension provision or prove that you will earn at least 48,180 euros gross per year (as of 2023).
As a rule, the Federal Employment Agency must also give its approval. The embassy will contact the Federal Employment Agency. You do not have to do anything.
What happens after entry?
After entering Germany, you must report to the immigration office at your new place of residence within three months and apply for a residence permit there. To do this, you must again submit the above-mentioned documents and, as a rule, a police registration and a tenancy agreement. The authorities will check your documents and then decide whether you will be granted a residence permit.
The residence permit as a skilled worker is usually issued for four years. If your employment contract has a shorter term, the residence permit will be adjusted accordingly.
What happens if I lose my job?
If you lose your job, your residence permit will usually also become invalid. In this case, you must find a new job immediately and apply for a new residence permit.
Important
You can find out more about the topic of work in our chapters"Employment contract" and"Employee rights".
To obtain a visa as a skilled worker, you need to apply at the German embassy or consulate in your home country, presenting proof of a qualified vocational training or university degree recognized in Germany, an employment contract or job offer, and adequate financial means if you're over 45. Once in Germany, you must report to the immigration office within three months and provide the same documents to apply for a residence permit.
Upon passing the new immigration law on July 7, 2023, Germany aims to simplify the process and make itself more attractive for skilled workers, with updates to be published on the website. It's crucial to check if you need a visa, as nationals from certain countries are required to obtain one prior to entering Germany.
Source: handbookgermany.de
