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 qualified vocational training or a course of study outside Germany, you can obtain a residence permit under Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) or Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in order to take up qualified employment in Germany as a skilled worker.
To find out if you need a visa to enter Germany, see the “Do I need a visa?” section.
Do you have a recognised academic qualification? If so, check to see whether you meet the criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card. This type of residence title offers particularly attractive opportunities to qualified professionals.
Do you meet the above requirements? Then find out about the entry and visa proces.
As a rule, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) must first approve your employment. As part of this process, the Federal Employment Agency will assess whether your conditions of employment (salary, working hours, etc.) correspond to those of domestic employees.
Residence permits for qualified employment are issued for a maximum of four years. If your employment contract is for a shorter period, you will be issued with a residence permit for the duration of the contract, plus an additional three months.
If you have held a residence permit for the purpose of employment for at least three years, you may, under certain circumstances, be eligible for a settlement permit. This is essentially a permanent residence title. For more information, see the “Living permanently in Germany” section.
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, please see the “Family reunification” 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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