conditions apply for those seeking to immigrate to Germany for the purpose of working as a professional driver. To start working as a professional driver, you must hold a category C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D or DE driving licence issued by the EU or the EEA , and you must be able to provide evidence of your EU or EEA initial qualification to drive vehicles in the relevant driving licence category. What if I do not possess an EU or EEA driving licence or the EU or EEA initial qualification yet? Under certain [...] section. Do you have a driving licence from another country? Either your driving licence will be recognised in Germany or exchanged for a domestic licence, or you will need to take your driving licence test again. This depends on the country where your driving licence was issued. This matter is regulated by the Ordinance on the Admission of Persons to Road Traffic (FeV). For some countries, there is a simplified process for exchanging a driving licence from a non-EU/EEA country for a German driving licence [...] goods and passengers reach their destination safely. Even as a qualified skilled worker , there is still a lot you can learn. After all, digitalisation and automation mean that the tasks performed by train drivers are also changing. Training as train driver Do you aspire to be a qualified skilled worker, and are interested in a paid apprenticeship to become a train driver in Germany? You can also find information on training to become a train operator on our portal. Good to know Your job is to drive

Hamburg Hamburg is a green city located in close proximity to the sea. The metropolis offers plenty of things to do in your free time, including a variety of cultural activities. Its international flair and comparatively young population from all around the world make it a very pleasant place to be. Hamburg prides itself on its economic performance, above-average levels of income and its high level of education. The larger metropolitan region of Hamburg includes parts of the adjacent states of S [...] home to 500,000 companies with around 1.9 million jobs. Keyfacts for Hamburg Capital Hamburg Important industries Logistics Second largest port in Europe Maritime industry, such as specialised shipbuilding, shipbuilding suppliers, marine and offshore engineering Civil aviation industry Media and IT, e.g. games industry Renewable energies Life Sciences – research and production location for medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries Population 1,910,160 Particularities Hamburg's port

149 brands that enjoy success on an international scale were based here. People from a wide variety of backgrounds work together while keeping a sense of balance: when it comes to paid holidays, public holidays, parental leave or working from home, Germany looks after its employees. 3. A job with prospects: many job vacancies and high salaries Anyone hoping to work in Germany's IT sector has a good chance of finding a job. Skilled IT workers are in high demand in Germany: companies are particularly [...] in the IT sector in Germany Let's find out why Germany is a great option for you to work in the ICT sector. Are you ready to use your skills in the right place? Here are some good reasons to do so! 1. A lucrative location for innovations Germany is inventive and it is featured in the top ten most innovative countries for multiple reasons. This is also verified by the Bloomberg Innovation Index 2021 , putting the country in fourth place on a global scale. The standard and quality of German inventions [...] is lucrative: anyone working here is likely to earn an above-average salary. 4. Make an impact: digital challenges in Germany A future without road accidents? Artificial intelligence (AI) in the operating theatre? Germany is arming its IT industry for the future and you could be part of the transformation! AI plays a vital role in Germany's ability to compete and excel as a research location. Follow this link to read how you can help to develop AI in Germany . 5. Political tailwind for Industry 4

several steps required in applying for a visa. To make it easier for you, here is an overview of the whole process. Step 1: Check the requirements Before applying for a visa , you must check whether you meet the basic requirements for the granting of a residence title ( Section 5 (1) of the Residence Act [AufenthG] ): A secure livelihood: As part of the visa process, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. This can be done in a number of ways: Depending on the purpose [...] use either your future salary, a declaration of commitment or a blocked bank account with a minimum amount of funds as proof. Proof of identity and nationality: You must prove that there is no doubt about your identity and nationality. This is usually done by presenting a valid passport when applying for a visa. No public interest in your expulsion: There must be no grounds for your expulsion. A check will be made as to whether your entry into Germany is likely to pose a threat to public safety and [...] latest when you collect your visa from the German embassy. Step 5: Apply for a residence title in Germany Did you enter Germany on a visa? We wish you a warm welcome! Your visa is usually valid for up to 12 months. Within this period, you must apply for a residence permit to stay in Germany on a long-term basis. Please contact the foreigners authority responsible for your matters and find out what documents you need to apply for a residence permit. Then make an appointment to obtain the residence permit

Would you like to learn German in Germany? Find out how to get a visa for language acquisition. You can take German language courses not only abroad, but also in Germany. A visa for language acquisition under Section 16f (1) of the Residence Act (AufenthG) permits entry and residence for this purpose. 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 language course visa? You have been admitted to an intensive German [...] preparation for studying or training in Germany, it may be the case that you do not need a German language course visa, but a visa to start studying or vocational training, especially if you have already found a vocational training place or course of study. If you do not meet the language requirements for enrolment in higher education and have not yet been accepted to a university, you will need a visa for seeking a place in higher education . Do you meet the requirements mentioned before? Then find out about [...] daily German lessons with a minimum of 18 lessons of instruction per week are generally considered to be intensive language courses. Evening and weekend courses are not sufficient. You are able to cover your living costs for the duration of your stay. Evidence can be provided by means of a blocked bank account or a declaration of commitment . Do you fulfil these requirements? Learn about the procedure for the entry and visa process . Please beware If you want to take a German course in preparation

Requirements for naturalisation If you were not born a German citizen, you have the right to be naturalised if you meet the following requirements, among others: You have been living in Germany legally for more than five years. You have a permanent right of residence in Germany, e.g. as a Union citizen entitled to freedom of movement or on the basis of a settlement permit or a residence permit that may lead to a permanent right of residence. A residence permit for the purpose of studying, for example [...] or a degree in law, social sciences, public administration or political science from Germany, you will generally not have to take a naturalisation test. Your school-leaving certificate or degree obtained in Germany is sufficient in this case. On the internet, you will find not only a list of questions as a PDF file , but also a practice tool to prepare for the naturalisation test and the “Life in Germany” test. You have not been convicted of a criminal offence: If you have been convicted of a criminal [...] German by taking a language test at a minimum level of B1. A German school-leaving certificate, completed vocational education and training in Germany or completed studies in Germany are also generally accepted as proof of your German language skills. You have basic knowledge of the legal and social system and way of life in Germany: you can prove this knowledge by passing the naturalisation test. The “Life in Germany” test is also accepted as proof of such knowledge. If you have a German school-leaving

start a business in Germany? You can find the necessary information for your visa application here. With a visa for self-employment , you can realise your start-up project in Germany. Depending on whether you are planning on setting up a business or working as a freelancer, different conditions may apply. To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see Who Needs a Visa? Setting up a business If you are looking to start a business and meet the following requirements, you can obtain a residence [...] residence permit for self-employment in accordance with Section 21 (1) on the Residence Act - AufenthG : There needs to be an economic interest in or a regional demand for your product or service. It is foreseeable that your company will have a positive effect on the economy. You are able to finance the implementation of your business concept with your own capital or through a loan commitment. If you are older than 45 years of age, this visa can only be issued if you can provide proof of adequate old [...] for self-employment offer? A visa or residence permit for self-employment is initially issued for up to three years. If your business idea is successful and you are able to cover the costs of living for yourself and your family, the residence permit can be extended. Info box If you are starting your own company, applying for a settlement permit after three years is an option. To learn about how to realise your business idea in Germany, see Setting Up a Business . At a glance: Visa for self-employment

Hotline Do you prefer a personal conversation? Please call the "Working and Living in Germany" hotline. Experts will provide you with advice either in German or English. Quick-Check In Germany, I’d like to... work. study. do vocational training. start up a business. do research. Start Important notice Unfortunately, the hotline, operated by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA), is often occupied due to the great interest in our topics. Written [...] regarding the recognition of foreign qualifications , entry and residence , as well as learning German in Germany and abroad , you can contact the hotline at the following times (CET): Monday: 9 am – 12 pm Tuesday: 9 am – 12 pm Wednesday: 1 pm – 4 pm Thursday: 1 pm – 4 pm Friday: 9 am – 12 pm For questions on the topics of job search, work and career , the hotline is available from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm and on Friday from 9 am to 12 pm (CET). Please note that our hotline is closed on [...] 01/05/2025 (Labor Day) • 29/05/2025 (Ascension Day) • 09/06/2025 (Whit Monday) • 19/06/2025 (Corpus Christi) • 03/10/2025 (German Unity Day) • 24/12/2025 (Christmas Eve) • 25/12/2025 (1st Christmas Day) • 26/12/2025 (2nd Christmas Day) • 31/12/2025 (New Year's Eve) • 01/01/2026 (New Year) Telephone charges Calls from a landline in Germany are subject to the usual charges. Charges for mobile telephone calls may differ. Calls from abroad are subject to the international charges applicable under your

y. Depending on the course of study, language skills may even be a requirement. If you apply for a course of study taught in German, you must provide proof of being proficient in German. The relevant certificates are the DSH (German language examination for the admission of foreign students to higher education institutions) and the TestDaF (examination for German as a foreign language). Students who have passed the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule exam (test on the German knowledge needed for success at [...] career prospects if you would like to stay in Germany for completing of your studies. If you would like to take a German language proficiency test while still in your home country, you can do so at one of the 151 Goethe-Institut sites worldwide. You will find the address of your local Institut in our overview of advisory and contact points . German language skills for studying Getting a visa, or learning German? Contact points all over the world Information on the web Study in Germany Information [...] at an advanced academic level), Deutsches Sprachdiplom II (German Language Certificate) and the Goethe C2 certificate have also been accepted for admission to a German-language study course at German universities and higher-education institutions since 12 February 2016. Nevertheless, you should find out what language certificate meets the requirements of your desired course at your university. Generally, there is no need to provide proof of German language skills for English-language study courses

Nevertheless, language barriers can be challenging, as well as the process of settling into a new environment. Particularly at the start of the vocational training or employment relationship, this can mean that employers will have to provide greater support. 5. The THAMM project also places a strong emphasis on preparing trainees and integrating them after they have arrived in Germany. In which area do you see a need in this respect? The THAMM project comprehensively prepares project participants for [...] complete adaptation qualification in Germany. There are also differences on a personal level. For example, the issue of family reunion is particularly important for skilled workers, most of whom are older. 7. Where do you see the biggest challenges? Examples of major challenges include German language skills and accommodation. Successful language acquisition is not only a condition for the project participants being issued a visa – it also helps them to integrate successfully into the company. Despite [...] recruitment of trainees and skilled workers from North Africa Correct as of: 30/06/2022 With its project entitled “Towards a Holistic Approach to Labour Migration Governance and Labour Mobility in North Africa” (THAMM), German development cooperation promotes the fair and development-oriented recruitment of trainees and qualified professionals from Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. 1. What exactly does the THAMM project involve? The THAMM project helps partner institutions in North Africa to provide routes