
At a glance: Work visa for qualified professionals
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a work visa for qualified professionals.
You have found a job in Germany and need a visa? These are the requirements you have to meet.
If you have completed higher education institution or qualified vocational training outside Germany, you can receive a residence permit, in accordance with Sections 18a and 18b (1) on the Residence Act - AufenthG) that enables you to obtain employment in Germany as a qualified professional.
To find out whether you require a visa to enter Germany, see “Who Needs a Visa?”
Do you have a recognised higher education degree? If so, check to see if you fulfil the criteria for an EU Blue Card. This residence title offers advantageous conditions to qualified professionals from abroad.
Generally, the German Federal Employment Agency (BA) must first approve your request for employment. As part of this process, the Federal Employment Agency will assess whether your employment conditions (salary, working hours, etc.) are equivalent to those of domestic employees.
Do you fulfil these requirements? Find out about the entry visa process.
A visa or a residence permit for the purpose of obtaining qualified employment is issued for a maximum of four years. If a work contract has a shorter duration, a residence permit shall be issued for the duration of the contract.
If you have held a residence permit for employment purposes for at least 4 years, you may be entitled to obtain a settlement permit if certain requirements are fulfilled. This is essentially a permanent residence title. Learn more about this in the Living permanently in Germany section.
Would you like to live in Germany with your family? This residence permit allows you to do that. Everything you need to keep in mind, in addition to the applicable requirements, can be found in the Family Life in Germany section.
From the preparations to the application forms: This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a work visa for qualified professionals.
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Are you planning a career in Germany? The new webinar series "How to make it in Germany" shows you how to successfully prepare for a future in Germany.