The German labor market attracts a large number of expats from different countries. Find out all about how to get a work visa to Germany and the documents required for this purpose

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Germany is a European country with a strong economy and an attractive labor market. Germany has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe, many job opportunities and numerous advantages for career development and experience. That is why expats consider Germany an ideal place to work. Foreigners want to work in Germany because it offers a perfect work-life balance. 

The rules for entering Germany for employment depend on the expatriate's citizenship: some have the right to enter Germany freely and look for work, while others will have to apply for a work visa before entering. 

How to get a work visa to Germany? Read more in our article. 

Who needs a visa to work in Germany?

Most foreigners need a work visa and a work permit to live and work in Germany. However, not all expats are subject to visa requirements. However, every foreigner must obtain a residence and work permit. 

Citizens of the EU/EEA, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland do not need a work visa to enter Germany for employment purposes. They only need to register their place of residence upon arrival in Germany using their passport or a valid ID card.

Those arriving in Germany from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand or the United States also do not need a work visa or a job offer to enter Germany. However, you must apply for a residence permit at the Federal Office for Foreigners upon arrival in Germany.

Citizens of the rest of the world need to apply for a work visa to enter Germany and start working. You must also apply for a residence permit for the purpose of work upon arrival in Germany.

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Types of long-term visas for work in Germany

There are several categories of work visas in German migration law:

● Employment visa - if you already have a job offer in Germany.

● Self-employment - if you want to start a business in Germany.

● Freelancer or digital nomad visa. 

● Job seeker visa - for those who plan to look for a job during their stay in Germany.

● Au Pair Working Visa - for young people who want to learn more about German culture and language.

● Working Holiday Visa - for young people from certain countries that have signed a Working Holiday Visa agreement with Germany.

Requirements for a German long-term visa

Foreigners who fall into one of the following categories can apply for a German work visa:

● Highly qualified employees, in particular researchers with special technical knowledge;

● Teaching staff

● Scientific personnel

● Internal employees, in particular managers and specialists.

Third-country nationals with higher education or non-academic professional qualifications who meet the following conditions are also eligible to apply for a German work visa:

● There is a shortage of skilled workers in Germany for the occupation you want to pursue.

● You have a specific job offer.

● Your education must be recognized as equivalent to a German diploma.

How to apply for a work visa in Germany? Detailed instructions

The step-by-step process of applying for an employment visa in Germany is as follows:

● Get a job offer in Germany.

● Check whether you need a visa to enter Germany.

● Find out where you need to apply for a visa.

● Gather all the necessary documents according to the instructions.

● Make an appointment for a visa interview.

● Pay the fee for the German work visa.

● Attend the interview.

● Wait for a response to the visa application form.

List of documents for obtaining a work visa in Germany

● Two visa application forms.

● Two passport-size photographs.

● A valid national passport.

● Proof of residence. 

● Proof of health insurance.

● Employment contract or job offer.

● A resume with your academic qualifications and work experience.

● Proof of qualifications - diplomas, certificates, grades, etc.

● A cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your stay.

● Certificate of no criminal record.

● Proof of paid visa fee.

● Declaration of truthfulness of information.

It can be quite difficult for expats to choose the type of work visa and prepare the necessary package of documents. A highly qualified immigration lawyer will help you understand all the intricacies of moving to Germany to work. 

Where can I apply for a German work visa?

An application for a German work visa must be submitted to a German representative office in the country of residence:

● German Embassy.

● German consulate.

● A visa application center.

● German embassy/consulate in a neighboring country, if there is no German representative office in your country of residence.

● An embassy/consulate of another country located in your country of residence to which Germany has transferred the right to receive visa applications.

How long does it take to obtain a German work visa?

The period of processing a German long-term work visa can last from one to three months from the date of application. The processing time also depends on the number of applications that the embassy receives at that time, as well as on the specifics of the application.

Upon arrival in Germany

After arriving in Germany on the basis of a work visa, it is necessary to apply for a German residence permit.

Expats need to register at the nearest German immigration office to their place of residence. 

You will need to pass an interview, during which you will also submit a package of documents for obtaining a residence permit:

● A valid national passport.

● Residence permit application form.

● Two photographs.

● Certificate of no criminal record.

● Proof of German language proficiency.

● Health insurance policy.

● Confirmation of a job offer.

The period for which you will be issued a residence permit depends on the duration of your contract. If your contract is for 2 years, your permit will also be valid for 2 years. However, you can extend it an unlimited number of times if you continue to work.

What countries do foreigners come to work in Germany from?

In 2022, just under 70% of the new jobs in Germany were filled by immigrants, with the majority of workers coming from Ukraine and the Western Balkans. There are many Europeans working in Germany. Citizens of Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Russia, and other countries are also the most frequent recipients of German work visas. 

Germany is a country of opportunities not only for Germans but also for citizens of other countries. The country is home to world-famous corporations and companies. This gives many foreigners the opportunity to find work and settle here. Germany is a great choice for expats looking for career growth.

Find out how to obtain a work permit in Germany in 2023 for Ukrainians here.

Paragraph 24 for refugees: eligibility for a residence permit for asylum seekers in Germany - details here.

How to get a residence permit in Germany - step-by-step instructions.

Read here how to find a job for English-speaking foreigners in Germany.

The best countries in Europe for expats to live in 2023 are here.

How to properly resign from a job in Germany: stages of dismissal for foreigners.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

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Immigration lawyer services in Germany;

Travel and health insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Insurance for foreign students in Germany.