Germany offers numerous types of visas for skilled workers from abroad who wish to work and live here. For experienced professionals, there are various ways to apply for a visa and thus pave the way to a successful career. In this blog post, we explain the different types of visas, their requirements and how to apply for them successfully.  

In general, it should be noted that different requirements apply to nationals of EU and EEA states and Switzerland than to nationals of other third countries. People from non-EU countries generally require a visa when entering Germany. Exceptions are: Australia, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States of America – nationals of these countries can also obtain the required residence permit after entering the country.

1. Visa for professionally experienced workers 

Germany offers an attractive visa solution for skilled workers without a formal vocational or university degree, but with professional experience, which enables employment in non-regulated professions. Non-regulated professions are not subject to any legal requirements for practicing the profession. In fact, most professions in Germany are not regulated, including computer scientists, bank clerks and business economists. Although recognition of your professional qualification is not mandatory for this visa, it is important that you have already gained qualified professional experience in your country of origin. Within the last five years, you must be able to provide evidence of at least two years of qualified professional experience that is relevant to your profession.  

Requirements:  

  • A signed employment contract and a declaration of employment from the employer are required.  
  • You must have an annual gross salary of at least 40,700 euros.  
  • The application requires approval from the Federal Employment Agency.  

Once you have already worked in Germany for some time and can provide proof of an existing employment relationship and a means of subsistence, it is possible to extend your residence permit.

2. Visa for qualified professionals 

This visa applies to anyone who can prove that they have a professional or university degree that is recognized or equivalent in Germany. The visa is issued for a maximum of four years and offers skilled workers the opportunity to work in Germany. If certain requirements are met, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit after three years.  

Requirements:  

  • You must have a recognized qualification in Germany.  
  • You need a concrete job offer.  
  • If you are older than 45 and are traveling to Germany for the first time, you must either have a gross annual salary of at least 49,830 euros or provide proof of adequate pension provision (= payment of 60 monthly pension insurance contributions)  

With this type of visa, your employment does not necessarily have to be professionally related to your qualification. However, you will need a professional license if you wish to work in a regulated profession.

3. Job search opportunity card

The opportunity card offers people living outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland an innovative opportunity to come to Germany to look for work or to have foreign professional qualifications recognized. In contrast to the visa for experienced professionals and the visa for skilled workers, this type of visa is also aimed at people who do not yet have an employment contract in Germany. The opportunity card is issued for a maximum of three years and offers many freedoms.  

What is allowed?  

  • You can work up to 20 hours per week during the search.  
  • Trial employment of up to a maximum of two weeks per employer is permitted as long as it is aimed at qualified employment.  

Requirements:  

  • Option 1: Your degree is recognized in Germany, or you have obtained a German qualification.  
  • Option 2: You meet the criteria of the points system, which is based on qualifications, work experience, language skills, age and other factors. You must achieve at least 6 points.  

Check here how many points you achieve!

4. EU Blue Card 

The EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for highly qualified academics from third countries who wish to take up qualified employment in Germany. It is issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, but for a maximum of four years. After 27 months, you can apply for a permanent Residency permit if you can provide proof of German language skills at level A1 (with B1 after just 21 months). It is also possible to change jobs while you have the EU Blue Card. If you change jobs within the first year, you must inform the immigration authority.  

Requirements:  

  • You have a German university degree or a foreign university degree that is comparable to a German university degree.  
  • You must have a concrete job offer that corresponds to your qualifications, with a minimum salary of 45,300 euros (41,041.80 euros for shortage occupations).  

Conclusion: How Germany makes it easier for skilled workers to move here  

Germany offers a variety of options for skilled workers from abroad to obtain a work permit and residence title. Whether via the visa for experienced professionals, the visa for skilled workers, the opportunity card or the EU Blue Card – all types of visa offer attractive opportunities to gain a professional foothold in Germany. The right qualifications, a job offer and meeting the salary thresholds are key factors for a successful application. 

Important links:  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the official authorities or advice centers for further information.

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