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Einreise_und_Beschaeftigung_Privilegierter_Staatsangehoeriger_EN.pdf
Find out which third-country nationals have special access to the German labour market. For some of them, visa-free entry is also possible.
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Visum_Selbststaendigkeit_EN.pdf
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a self-employment visa.
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Language classes
German as a foreign language in order to obtain official language certificates, e.g. for a residence permit. German exams of the Goethe-Institut Overview of the German exams offered by the Goethe-Institut from levels A1 to C2, as well as specialist language exams for students and professionals Certificate exams of telc Overview of telc certificate exams from levels A1 to C2, as well as a variety of specialist language exams for educational and professional purposes. TestDaF (Test for German as a foreign [...] in the forum, via messages or in the chat, help each other and practise together. vhs learning portal In this B1 German course, you can build on your knowledge of German from the A2 course. You will also learn how to communicate in a variety of situations, both orally and in writing. vhs learning portal In this portal, you will find free online German courses at different levels from A1 to B2. The courses are suitable for self-study. You are accompanied by an online tutor who corrects your tasks [...] Goethe-Institut’s podcasts You can listen to podcasts on a variety of topics on the Goethe-Institut website. You will also find Podcasts with work sheets and solution sheets . Website „Mein Weg nach Deutschland“ On the Goethe-Institut’s “Mein Weg nach Deutschland” website, you will find free German exercises (levels A1-B2), podcasts and videos, as well as informational texts on working and living in Germany in 30 languages. You will also find a glossary with important terms related to living in Germany
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Job search opportunity card
language skills of at least level A1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or English language skills of at least level B2 (CEFR). Ability to cover living costs: For both Option 1 and Option 2, you must have sufficient financial resources to fund your job search in Germany. During the visa process, you can demonstrate this ability with a blocked bank account (containing a minimum of €1,091 net per month, amount applicable in 2025) or a declaration of commitment . [...] years, you will get three points. Language skills: You will also earn points if your German language skills are above level A1 (CEFR). One point is awarded at level A2, two points at level B1 and three points at level B2 or above. An additional point will be awarded if you have English at level C1 or above, or if you are a native speaker. Age: You also receive points if you are a certain age. People who are no older than 35 get two points until the day they turn 35. All those aged between 35 and 40 [...] coming to Germany to look for a suitable job? Learn about the requirements for a job search opportunity card here. The opportunity card (Section 20a of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) improves your chances of making contact with German employers and finding qualified employment in Germany. To find out if you need to apply for an opportunity card visa to enter Germany, please refer to the Do I need a visa? section. What are the requirements for an opportunity card? Are you from a country outside the EU/EEA
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Settlement permit
Germany on a permanent basis? Find out about the requirements for obtaining a settlement permit. A settlement permit opens many doors. You can live in Germany with your family without any restrictions. You can also take up employment or be self-employed. Are you already working and living in Germany on a temporary residence permit and would like to stay here permanently? As a skilled worker , you may, under certain conditions, be able to apply for a permanent residence title , also known as a settlement [...] you are considered a “skilled worker” if you belong to one of the following groups of people: Persons who have successfully completed qualified vocational education and training in Germany or who hold a foreign vocational qualification that is equivalent to one acquired in Germany ( Section 18a of the Residence Act [AufenthG] in conjunction with Section 18 (3) No. 1 of the Residence Act [AufenthG] ) Persons with a German university degree, a recognised foreign university degree or a foreign university [...] settlement permit: You have held a residence permit for employment as a “skilled worker” (residence permit under Sections 18a, 18b, 18d or 18g of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) for at least two years. You have a job that your residence permit allows you to do. You have paid into the statutory pension insurance scheme for 24 months. You are able to demonstrate German language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and have a basic knowledge of the legal and
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EU Blue Card
you have found a job in Germany? Learn about what requirements you have to meet for an EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card ( Section 18g of the Residence Act [AufenthG] ) is a special residence title for foreign academics and people with comparable qualifications who want to take up qualified employment in Germany. To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, see the “ Do I need a visa? ” section. What are the EU Blue Card requirements? You have a German academic qualification or a foreign academic [...] You already have a specific job offer from a company in Germany. The job offer must meet the following conditions: The period of employment must be at least six months. The job must match your qualification (academic degree). If a licence to practise ( regulated professions ) is required, this must be in place or in prospect at the time of the visa application. Your job in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €48,300 (as of 2025). If you are employed in a bottleneck profession [...] includes a gross annual salary of at least €43,759.80 (as of 2025). This applies to entry-level jobs in all professions. The approval of the Federal Employment Agency is also required for the visa procedure. Special case: The EU Blue Card for IT professionals without a formal qualification Do you want to work in Germany as an IT professional or manager without a formal qualification? Under certain conditions, you may be able to obtain an EU Blue Card. You must be able to demonstrate that you have a specific
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Transport and logistics
be remunerated via a training allowance paid by the training company. In Germany, there is a legal minimum training allowance of 682 euros (valid for the year of 2025) for all professions. Here you will find a rough estimate of how much you will earn during vocational training in the transport and logistics industry. Driver: €682 – €1,305 per month (gross income) Skilled transport employee: about €682 – €1,314 per month (gross income) Warehouse logistics operator: about €682 – €1,370 per month (gross [...] an ideal way of entry; especially for those interested in a varied occupation, in which organisation, planning and communication play a crucial role. Whoever likes to get behind the wheel will discover what they are looking for. Find out about professional options in the sector now and find a place for vocational training suitable for you. Good to know: transport and logistics in Germany Germany is located in the centre of Europe and has a very well-developed infrastructure by global standards. T [...] operator had a foreign nationality (in the year of 2023). Vocational training professions in the transport and logistics sector in demand In the transport and logistics sector, there are a lot of options for vocational training, depending on whether you would like to steer the wheel yourself, have an interest in occupations within warehouses or choose the commercial route. Unfortunately, the following links leading to the individual professions are only available in German. We recommend using a translation
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The Skilled Immigration Act
knowledge , the requirement is that they have a non-academic vocational qualification or an academic qualification recognised by the country of training. In the case of a non-academic vocational qualification, a training period of at least two years is required. As an alternative to a state-recognised qualification, a qualification from a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad may be sufficient under certain conditions. In addition, applicants must have a minimum of two years’ work experience in the [...] long-term mobility in Germany. For a maximum stay of 90 days, Blue Card holders from other EU countries are able to come to Germany and stay here for the purpose of a business activity directly related to their employment. Neither a visa nor a work permit from the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is required for such short stays. After a minimum stay of twelve months with an EU Blue Card in another EU country, long-term residence in Germany is possible without a visa. After entering Germany, the p [...] opportunity card without any further special requirements. All other applicants must provide evidence of a foreign academic degree, a non-academic vocational qualification of at least two years’ duration (in each case recognised by the state in the country of training) or a non-academic vocational qualification issued by a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad. In addition, a basic knowledge of German (level A1 CEFR) or English (level B2 CEFR) is required. If these requirements are met, points are awarded for
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Visa for vocational training
seeking a vocational training place under Section 17 (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) you can come to Germany to apply for a job and find a suitable vocational training place. To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, please refer to the “ Do I need a visa? ” section. What are the requirements for a visa for seeking a vocational training place? Proof of school-leaving certificate: You have a school-leaving certificate that gives you access to higher education or a qualification from a German [...] helper in a health or care profession, you can obtain a residence permit for up to 12 months to look for work. This can be extended once for a further six months. To cover your living costs while you are looking for a job in Germany, you are entitled to take up any form of employment. Once you have found a qualified job, you can apply for a residence permit for qualified employment without having to leave Germany. If you are employed as a nursing assistant following your vocational training in a health [...] you to attend a preparatory German language course in Germany ( Section 16a (1), sentence 4 of the Residence Act [AufenthG]). This can be a government-funded vocational language course or another language course specifically designed to prepare you for vocational training. Once you have successfully completed your vocational training, you can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find qualified employment . To do this, you need a residence permit to for job-seeking under Section 20 (1) no. 3 of the
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Special regulations for professional drivers
drivers Interested in working as a professional driver in Germany? That is also possible without formal training. Read more about it here. As a professional driver of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) or buses, you have good chances of finding a suitable job in Germany. You can find out whether you need a visa to enter the country or a residence permit for your stay in Germany in the " Do I need a visa? " section. Which conditions must be met in order to start working as a professional driver? You must possess [...] still meet the conditions mentioned above, you can work as a professional driver if the Federal Employment Agency (BA) has approved the granting of the necessary residence title according to Section 19c (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) for this employment ( Section 24a (1) of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners [BeschV] ). Info box Approval from the BA will be obtained during the visa process in an official internal procedure. As a rule, no action on your part is required. If you are still [...] possess the necessary EU or EEA driving licence of class C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E or DE and You must be able to provide evidence of your (accelerated) EU or EEA initial qualification to drive certain vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. If you possess citizenship of an EU Member State, an EEA Member State or Switzerland, you may be employed in the fields of freight or passenger transport. You can look for suitable vacancies in the job listings . Which residence title is required for t
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