If you want to work in Germany and do not come from the European Union or the European Economic Area, you will need a work visa for Germany. This means that you have to apply for the entry permit at the German embassy in your home country. One important requirement for this is a signed employment contract; there are also exceptions for people from certain countries and special regulations for specific occupational groups. Here you can find the most important information for a work visa in Germany, including who has to apply for it and how, what you need to look out for and which documents you need to present at the embassy.
Work visa for Germany at a glance
Whether or not you need a work visa for Germany and which one you need depends on your country of origin and your level of qualification. The different types of visas for taking up work are regulated in Section 18 of the Residence Act:
- Visa for skilled workers with academic qualifications
- EU Blue Card for university graduates and third-country nationals for temporary work
- Visa for skilled workers with vocational training
- Visa for employment with practical work experience
- Visa for job seekers
Tip: The Visa Navigator of the German Federal Foreign Office will help you to find the right visa for your case. You can also find detailed information on the application process from the German missions in your home country.
Documents and organizational conditions for the work visa for Germany:
- Documents for the application
- Employment contract (except visa for job seekers)
- Processing time: up to three months
Who needs a work visa for Germany?
Not all people from abroad need a work visa for Germany.
- Citizens of EU/EEA member states and Switzerland do not require a visa or residence permit and have unrestricted access to the German labor market.
- Third-country nationals without a visa requirement: Citizens of selected countries can also enter Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit before taking up employment in Germany. This regulation applies to citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or the USA.
- Third-country nationals with a visa requirement: Skilled workers from all other countries must apply for what is known as a national visa or D visa in order to work in Germany. The Schengen visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days is not valid as a work visa for Germany for non-EU citizens.
Tips:
- If individuals from third countries that do not require a visa wish to take up employment immediately after entering Germany, it is also worthwhile them applying for a work visa in advance.
- If you have more than one nationality, it is best to check whether one of the nationalities allows privileged entry.
- If you have difficulties finding a job from abroad, you can apply for a visa for job seekers, which is valid for up to six months.
What are the requirements?
The following legal and organizational requirements apply for the work visa in Germany:
- Employment ordinance: The freedom of movement regulation governs access to the labor market for citizens of EU and EEA states, while the employment ordinance limits it for people from third countries. It stipulates the conditions under which foreign workers can be admitted to the German labor market.
- Priority check: The German Federal Employment Agency is legally obliged to carry out labor market checks when people from third countries wish to take up employment in Germany. This priority check determines whether there are applicants to whom jobs should be given preference in accordance with German regulations: for example, Germans, EU citizens or people who already have a settlement or residence permit.
Those with a qualification generally have better chances. This means highly qualified specialists or people with a university degree or a non-academic vocational qualification.
Regardless of the exact qualification, the following requirements apply for a work visa in Germany:
- There is a concrete job offer
- The qualification corresponds to a German educational qualification
- Germany recognizes the qualification
- Any necessary professional license is available
Additional requirements for employees over the age of 45 who are taking up employment in Germany for the first time:
- Minimum gross earnings in Germany of €45,540 per year
- Alternatively, applicants can provide evidence of a pension scheme, for example via a special insurance policy or a bank account.
Conditions for academics with a recognized university degree:
- Facilitated access to the labor market via the EU Blue Card residence permit
- There is a concrete job offer
- Minimum salary of €55,200 gross/year
Additional regulations for occupations where there is a shortage, such as specialists in mathematics, IT, natural sciences, technology and doctors:
- The salary is similar to that of domestic employees.
- The minimum salary is €43,056 gross per year.
Conditions for skilled workers with non-academic qualifications:
- Since 2020, the type of employment is no longer limited to occupations where there is a shortage.
- Vocational training recognized in Germany entitles the holder to work in all professions within the respective qualification.
- No priority check is required.
What documents do I need?
You must present the following documents at your appointment at the embassy so that you can apply for a work visa for Germany:
- Completed and signed application form
- Two current biometric passport photos
- Current passport
- Proof of address
- Health insurance for Germany valid from the date of entry and/or travel health insurance for the period up to the start of work
- Employment contract or binding job offer, including the gross annual salary and a detailed description of the job
- Possible authorization from the German Federal Employment Agency (if required)
- Resume
- Proof of qualifications: diplomas, certificates, etc.
- Personal cover letter with details of the purpose and duration of the stay
- Police clearance
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Declaration of the accuracy of the information
How much does a work visa cost?
The German embassies and consulates charge 75 euro for the application for a work visa. Ask in advance how to pay the fee. A transfer is usually required, but you can make it in the local currency.
The fee will not be refunded if the visa is refused. Therefore, make sure you submit a full application. If you need to have your birth certificate or certificates translated for the application, this will also incur corresponding costs.
How can I apply?
If you fulfill the necessary requirements and can apply for a work visa, follow the steps below:
- Job confirmation: Before you start applying for a work visa, you will need a firm job offer. There is an exception if you want to start your search directly in Germany and apply for a visa for job seekers.
- Choose a suitable visa: Use the Visa Navigator of the German Federal Foreign Office or find out about the right work visa from a German mission.
- Check requirements: Find out about the specific requirements for a work visa for Germany for your home country as well as the requirements and necessary documents for the application.
- Make an appointment with the German mission abroad: Once you know which visa you need and have collected all the documents, you can make an appointment to submit your application. Please note that processing usually takes at least one month.
- Pay the application fee
- Compile documents for the appointment: Before the appointment, check the application and all necessary documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Make an appointment: The more clearly you explain in person why you want to work in Germany, the better.
Tips:
- You can also hire an external agency to apply for a visa. In this case, make sure that it is a reputable provider so that you do not fall victim to immigration fraud at home.
- If you already have a job offer in Germany, your future employer can also apply for an accelerated skilled labor procedure for your entry.
Checklist
This checklist will help you keep track of the necessary requirements and documents when applying for a work visa in Germany:
- Job confirmation:
- Employment contract or binding job offer, including the gross annual salary and a detailed description of the job
- Possible authorization from the German Federal Employment Agency (if required)
- Resume
- Proof of qualifications: diplomas, certificates, etc.
- Personal cover letter with details of the purpose and duration of the stay
- Visa application and personal information:
- Completed and signed application form
- Two current biometric passport photos
- Current passport
- Proof of address
- Police clearance
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Declaration of the accuracy of the information
- Make an appointment with the German mission abroad
- Pay the application fee and provide proof of payment
- Compile documents for the appointment
- Make an appointment and apply for a work visa for Germany
Conclusion
If you would like to apply for a work visa for Germany, a firm job offer will significantly increase your chances of success. There are different types of work visas in Germany depending on your personal qualifications, education, and the intended duration of your employment contract: the visa for skilled workers with an academic education, the EU Blue Card, the visa for skilled workers with vocational training, the visa for employment with practical work experience and the visa for job seekers. To ensure that your application is successful, find out exactly which conditions apply to the respective work visa in Germany and start compiling the necessary documents in good time.
FAQs
- What are the different types of visas?
There are four different types of work visas for Germany: the visa for skilled workers with academic qualifications, the EU Blue Card, the visa for skilled workers with vocational training and the visa for employment with practical work experience. There is also the visa for job seekers. - How high must my income be for a work visa?
This depends on the respective sector and your age: Employees over the age of 45 who have never worked in Germany before must earn at least €45,540 gross per year, academics €55,200 per year and skilled workers in occupations where there is a shortage €43,056 gross per year. - Which professions require a license to practice?
A work permit is required for regulated positions, for example in the nursing, healthcare and education sectors. - How do I apply for a work visa in Germany?
The application must be submitted to a German consulate or embassy in your home country, together with all the necessary documents.
