Visa and Recognition in Germany: Pathways for Skilled Workers
Which visa is right for your situation and does your qualification need to be recognised in Germany? Here you will find answers to important questions and the right starting point for your journey to Germany.
How do I apply for a visa?
From choosing the right type of visa to entering Germany: here you will find a step-by-step guide to what you need to prepare and what’s important.
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1 Check the visa requirements
Check whether you meet the basic requirements for being granted a residence title. Depending on the purpose of your entry and stay, additional requirements may apply, such as German language skills.
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2 Apply for a visa in your country of residence
Prepare the documents for your visa application and submit it to the relevant German embassy via the Consular Services Portal or the Videx application system.
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3 Plan your entry into Germany
Prepare for your trip to Germany: bring the originals of your personal documents with you and make sure you have health insurance from the very first day.
Family reunification in Germany
Would you like to bring your spouse or children to Germany? This is possible under certain conditions. Here you will find important information on visas, residence permits and the required documents.
Entering Germany as an EU citizen
Are you from an EU or EFTA country? If so, you will not usually need a visa to live and work in Germany. Find out more about entry, residence and access to the labour market.
Staying in Germany permanently
Would you like to settle permanently in Germany? Find out everything you need to know here about the settlement permit, the EU long-term residence permit and naturalisation.
FAQs on visas and recognition
Do I need a visa to work in Germany?
If you come from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you can work in Germany without restriction and do not need a residence permit. Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the USA can enter Germany without a visa, but must apply for a suitable residence permit from the relevant foreigners authority in Germany before taking up employment.
All other nationals also require a corresponding residence permit in order to live and work in Germany. Before entering Germany, you must apply for the appropriate visa (long-term stay – D visa) at the German mission in your country of residence. Upon arrival in Germany, you must apply for a corresponding residence permit at the competent foreigners authority.
Further information can be found in the “How do I apply for a visa?” section.
How do I find the appropriate visa?
The appropriate visa for you depends on many different factors, for example, your qualifications, the job you wish to pursue in Germany or your future salary. Your individual situation and the requirements of your future employer in Germany also play a role. You can get some initial guidance with the help of the Quick-Check.
You can find out which visas are available for employment purposes and what requirements you must meet to apply for them in the “Types of visa” section.
How can I have my non-academic vocational qualification recognised?
In order to prove that your foreign, non-academic vocational qualification is equivalent to a German qualification, it must be assessed by the relevant recognition authority in Germany. The competent authority is determined by the desired profession and place of work in Germany. The specialist portal “Anerkennung in Deutschland (External link) ” can help you with this matter.
You will also find detailed information on the procedure, costs and advisory services for recognition in the “Recognition procedure” section.
Do I need to have my foreign qualification recognised in Germany?
Whether your qualification needs to be recognised depends on the profession you wish to pursue and the country you come from.
For example, you will always need recognition if you want to work in a regulated profession in Germany.
Regardless of your profession, recognition may also be necessary if you wish to enter Germany with a specific visa (e.g., the visa for qualified professionals).
Find out about the exact regulations in the “Who needs recognition?” section.
Advice and Support
Do you have any questions about visas, jobs or life in Germany? Here you will find the right advice and support services: a hotline, a live chat, an email contact form, webinars and events, as well as in-person advice centres in Germany and abroad.
