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Other types of visa
enter Germany. For certain professional groups, special entry and employment rules have to be considered. Read more about other types of visa that are designed for a long-term stay in Germany. Special regulation for assistants in nursing As an assistant in nursing from a third country, you have the opportunity to practise your profession in Germany. Find out what the requirements are here. Visa for self-employment As an entrepreneur from abroad, your business plans could thrive in Germany. In some [...] you can live in Germany and teach your mother tongue at a school. Learn which visa requirements apply for this purpose. Professional athletes and coaches In professional sports, athletes from third countries can receive a residence title to professionally practice their sport in Germany. You can read here which requirements apply for the visa and the stay. Special regulations for esports professionals As a professional eSports professional, you can pursue your eSports career in Germany. If you come [...] some cases, a visa for self-employment might be necessary. Visa for research Germany is an attractive location for many international researchers. Those who come from abroad and wish to enter Germany for a research stay may need a visa for their research endeavours. Visa for language acquisition Taking a German class in Germany can have many advantages: the acquired language skills can immediately be put to practice in everyday life. For this purpose of stay, a visa for language acquisition may be
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Visa for professionally experienced workers
cover your living costs, you will usually be able to extend your residence permit. You may be granted a settlement permit after five years in Germany. In this context, the general provisions under Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) apply. Do you want to live in Germany with your family? This residence permit enables you to do so. To find out what you need to consider and what the requirements are, see the “ Family life in Germany ” section. Explainer video: How do I find a job in Germany? WebTutorials [...] non-regulated profession , there are good career opportunities in Germany. In this case, you can obtain a residence permit for qualified employment in Germany under Section 19c (2) of the Residence Act [AufenthG]) in conjunction with Section 6 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners (BeschV). The formal recognition of your qualification in Germany is not necessary for this. To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, see the “ Do I need a visa? ” section. What are the requirements for [...] professional experience must qualify you adequately for the job you want to do in Germany. In other words, it must be related to the profession you wish to pursue in Germany. Job offer : You have a concrete job offer in a non-regulated profession in Germany. In contrast to regulated professions , non-regulated professions are those whose practice is not protected by law. Most vocational training occupations in Germany are non-regulated. To find out which professions are regulated, visit the Federal
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Visa for the recognition of foreign qualifications
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) . Please note that a higher level of German proficiency may also be required to participate in qualification measures in Germany. Ability to cover the cost of living : you are able to prove that you can cover your living costs for the duration of your stay in Germany. You can do this by means of a blocked bank account (with a minimum of €1,091 per month as of 2025) or a declaration of commitment . Do you meet the above requirements? Then find [...] qualifications Are your qualifications not fully recognised? The recognition visa allows you to travel to Germany to take the necessary steps to obtain full recognition. Did you apply for the recognition of your qualification but the competent recognition authority in Germany decided that your qualification cannot be fully recognised? In this case, you can attend qualification measures in Germany to acquire the theoretical and/or practical skills you lack. Examples of such qualification measures include [...] analysis in Germany. The skills analysis assesses whether the applicant can demonstrate their professional knowledge and skills in practice. The competent body in Germany will decide on the skills analysis. The conditions for issuing a visa are as follows: The competent recognition body has determined that a skills analysis is required in your case. You will normally have received a letter from the competent body. You have applied for and been accepted for a skills analysis in Germany. You can demonstrate
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Visa for self-employed business
able to make a living in Germany. If you are older than 45 years of age, you will moreover have to prove that you have adequate pension provisions. Term of your residence permit If your business idea is successful and you are able to make a living for yourself and your family, you can have your residence permit extended, which is initially limited to a maximum of three years. After only three years, you can obtain a settlement permit , which will allow you to settle down in Germany for an unlimited [...] Visa for self-employed business Do you wish to set up a commercial business in Germany? To do so, you will need a specific residence permit. Find out about the requirements down below. In Germany, there are two ways of setting up your own business: you can either work as a freelancer ( Freiberufler ) or set up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur ( Gewerbe ). Find out more about the best approach for you in the article on types of new businesses . If you would like to set up a business as a [...] are adequate. Information on entry and visa process Find out the competent German immigration authority Video: Setting up a business in Germany Information on the web Start-up Portal Requirements under residence law BMWK Authority Finder The Authority Finder will guide you to the right local public authorities and agencies for your requirements Recognition in Germany Information on the recognition of foreign non-academic vocational qualifications and a list of contact points Print page share on LinkedIn
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Housing & mobility
Housing & mobility How would you like to live and what is there to consider when signing a tenancy agreement? Is your driving license valid in Germany? Find answers to these questions in this category. Housing and registration Driving licence & car Mobility in Germany
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Applying for a job
letter, and you can create your CV online according to a standardised format in German or in English . However, companies in Germany usually appreciate an individual design for your application; hence, you can use the Europass CV as a guide and then adjust it to your individual style. Your official partner for job placements in Germany Are you considering working in Germany? The Federal Employment Agency (BA) can support you with their free-of-charge comprehensive advisory services. The BA’s international [...] Applying for a job From the application to the job interview – this is how you ideally prepare yourself for the application process in Germany. Your application Did you find an exciting job advertisement? Then it is time to send in your application. In Germany, documents are usually sent in a PDF file within an email , or they are uploaded directly to the company's career website. Applying by post with a special application folder is rarely required. Read the job advertisement carefully: there might [...] international experts are at your side – from the beginning of your application, right up to when you start to work and live in Germany. Let us guide you through your opportunities on the German job market. Learn more Certificates Finally, add the most essential certificates to the application documents. These may include certificates from vocational training as well as your school and university diplomas. Here you can find more on the topic of “Recognition of qualifications”. If you have any references
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Job search opportunity card
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 are awarded one point. Previous stays in Germany: Have you already lived in Germany? If you can prove that you have resided legally in Germany for a continuous period of at least six months in the last five years, you will receive one point. Examples of such stays include study, language and work stays. Stays for the purpose of tourism or visiting [...] Job search opportunity card Are you interested in 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 o [...] [AufenthG]? The following options are open to you: Option 1: You have a foreign non-academic vocational or academic qualification that is fully recognised in Germany. Alternatively, you obtained your academic or non-academic vocational qualification in Germany. Tip If you obtained your academic or non-academic vocational qualification in Germany, you can immediately apply for a residence permit for jobseekers under Section 20 of the Residence Act [AufenthG]. This gives you more time to look for a job
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Saxony-Anhalt
Saxony-Anhalt Saxony-Anhalt is a modern business and science location situated in the heart of Germany and Europe. Universities, academies and other research facilities as well as local companies create a lively and innovative climate. Saxony-Anhalt is family-friendly: it offers low living costs, high quality standards and a rich offering of culture and nature. An open-minded attitude towards all people is a guiding principle. The state, regions and companies offer numerous support services for [...] Chemicals and synthetic materials industry Renewable energies/hydrogen IT with a focus on software development Automotive supplier industry Population 2,180,448 Particularities Saxony-Anhalt has the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany. Additional contacts The official portal of Saxony-Anhalt Get to know the multifaceted state and learn what makes it special. Points of contact for qualified professionals Here you can find service centres for immigrants in your federal state. Authority
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Unemployment
those who have been abroad on secondment or working abroad whilst living in Germany. In these cases, you can meet the notification requirement by contacting the agency over the phone, in writing, or online, or you can register immediately upon your return to Germany. Advice on open questions and placement support even before your return can be obtained from the BA's International and Specialised Services (ZAV) at ZAV.Hotline-Germany@arbeitsagentur.de or via telephone: 0049 228 713 1313. If you wish [...] Unemployment You have lost your job? No problem! If you worked in Germany before, you will receive support. If you have yet to find a job, register with your local employment agency (Arbeitsagentur) If you are not taking up employment immediately upon your return to Germany, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits . You will need to visit your local employment agency in person to register. If you are not residing in Germany, you do not have to notify the agency three months prior to the end [...] you can transfer these entitlements to Germany. You will need to ask the competent employment agency in your host country for form PD U2 . Please contact your local employment agency for further information on the portability of benefits from other countries. Unemployment benefits As a general rule, those who are unemployed in Germany are only entitled to financial support if they have previously had a job subject to social security contributions in Germany prior to registering themselves as unemployed
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Berlin
Berlin The capital posts record numbers of start-up businesses. This is where the greatest number of new jobs are created in Germany. People from all over the world move to Berlin to live and work here. Many companies are setting up their headquarters in the capital: The city state of Berlin offers a unique research infrastructure, highly qualified professionals and a lively and inspiring creative scene. Modern, strong on technology; and open to innovation are the catchwords that best describe Berlin
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