Germany Work Visa and Residence Permit (2024)- Comprehensive Process Checklist
Looking to work in Germany, but don’t come from the EU/EEA or Switzerland? Then you’re going to need either a German Work Visa, German Work Permit or German Residence permit.
Which one you need depends on a variety of factors, including which country you are from, how long you wish to stay, prior education and the type of work you want to do. Interested in learning more about Germany work visas, work permits or residence permits?
We’ve compiled all of the legal restrictions and requirements into a comprehensive checklist - written by someone who has actually gone through it!
All of the material listed here within adheres to the Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory.
What is the difference between a German work visa, work permit, and a residence permit?
Let’s first start by getting the jargon correct. Technically there are only two, not three categories: German work visas and German work permits (AKA a Residence Permit for Work Purposes).
Both allow you to reside and take up gainful employment in Germany. Which one you will need and eventually apply for all comes down to which country you are coming from.
Those from EU and EEA countries, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA (also known as the Schengen Area) will need a Residence Permit for Work Purposes.
This can be applied for after arrival at your new city’s Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office), and you don’t need to already have an employment offer.
Those from other countries not listed will need a German Work Visa. And it is very important that you must have already acquired this before travelling to Germany at your country’s German Consulate or Germany Embassy.
To qualify, you must already have a job in place. If you need a work visa, you will also need to get a residence permit once you get to Germany.
Confused yet?
Don’t worry. We’ll clear things up a bit further.
Types of German Work Visas
As we mentioned in the prior section, German embassies and consulates are responsible for issuing visas and residence permits.
If you are NOT from an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland or the USA, you’re going to need to apply and be approved for a work visa prior to traveling to Germany.
But did you know that there is not just one kind of German Work Visa? In fact, there are a number of different kinds of visas that you can apply for depending on your qualifications and employment opportunities. Here’s a quick overview:
General Employment Visa
General Employment Visas in Germany are for those who work in jobs that don’t require you to be highly educated or highly skilled.
However, these permits are generally very tough to get. You’ll only be eligible if the position cannot be filled by a worker from the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
The permit is usually granted for one year, but can be extended as long as the employment situation remains the same.
German Work Visas for Qualified Professionals
Did you attend a higher education institution or receive qualified vocational training outside of Germany? You can apply for a German Work Visa for Qualified Professionals.
Keep in mind, your qualifications must be recognised in Germany, or be comparable to those from a German higher education institution. Therefore, if you are seeking employment in a highly-regulated profession, i.e., health professions, a professional practice permit is required.
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.
Black Forest Family Tip
Are you over 45 years old and coming to Germany for the first time for employment purposes? If so, your gross annual salary for the position you intend on taking must be at least EUR 45,540 (in 2020).
Alternatively, you must provide proof of adequate old age pension provisions (such as social security payments, 401K and retirement pensions).
EU Blue Card
Have further qualifications that make you an experienced, highly-educated employee in Germany? You might just qualify for an EU Blue Card.
An EU Blue Card is a special residence permit for foreign academics seeking qualified employment in Germany. Generally, it is issued for the duration of your work contract, including 3 additional months, and is limited to a 4-year period.
Plus, EU Blue Card holders have the ability for their family members to accompany them! Both the EU Blue Card holder and their family members are entitled to freedom of movement within the EU.
After 33 months, holders of the EU Blue Card may obtain a settlement permit. In special cases, a settlement permit can be issued as early as 21 months after employment with an EU Blue card!
For this, you need to be able to provide proof of the required language skills of at least a B1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
EU Blue Card Eligibility Criteria:
Have a Master’s Degree or equivalent.
Have at least 5 years of experience in your field.
Have a work contract or a job offer for highly qualified employment for at least one year.
Meet the minimum salary threshold in the EU country in which you want to work.
For regulated professions: proof that the national legal requirements are met.
German Visa for Job Seekers
If you’re having difficulties searching for a job from abroad, you can apply for a visa that enables qualified professionals to enter Germany for the purpose of seeking employment.
However, it is important to mention that you cannot enter into an employment contract during the duration of your stay in Germany under this work visa type. You will need to leave Germany, and reapply for the appropriate Visa in your home country’s German consulate or embassy.
German Visa for Self-Employment
Considering your own start-up or want to work as a freelancer in Germany? Then you’re going to need to apply for a German Visa for Self-Employment.
However, depending on your professional goals and expectations for the business, different conditions apply.
Starting a Business in Germany
There’s no getting around it. Starting a business in Germany requires a lot of upfront work in order to qualify for this visa type. Firstly, you’ll need to prove that the business will fulfill a need in Germany and benefit its economy.
You’ll also need to show a viable business plan, relevant experience, and evidence of business funding. For example, you will need to show proof you can finance the implementation of your business concept with your own capital or through a loan commitment.
Furthermore, if you are over the age of 45, you will once more need to show proof of adequate old age pension provisions. These vary depending on how much older you are above the threshold and your country of origin. We recommend checking out the finite requirements from this Berlin governmental website.
Freelancing in Germany
Don’t let the name fool you - this is not solely for artists and writers. Freelancers are determined as those with ‘catalogue professions’ (Katalogberufe).
These include those working in science and engineering, the arts, professional writing, teaching, doctors, dentists or lawyers - or even bloggers like us!
Once more, you’ll need to provide evidence that there’s a need for your skills in Germany, that you’re qualified, that you can finance yourself and have the necessary old age pension provisions (if applicable).
Scientific Researcher Visa
Looking to carry out research in Germany (not as part of a Ph.d)?
You’ll need to already have a hosting agreement or a work contract with a research institute in Germany. Typically in these contracts, the research institute commits itself in writing to cover your living and travel costs back to your country of origin, which could otherwise have to be covered by public funds.
This commitment applies for up to 6 months after the research position has ended. However, the aforementioned clause is not applicable if your research position is primarily funded by public funds.
Need Scholarship Funding in Germany?
Check out our Post: Finding Scholarship Funding in Germany
Before you Apply for a German Work Visa
Regardless of which of the aforementioned German Work Visas you are applying for, it is important to note that the responsibility of applying for the visa lies with the individual, not your employer.
Now, that being said, many employers may be able to help make sure your application is successful. When Jonathan moved to Germany as part of a work transfer, his employer’s lawyers handled the entire Visa application and approval process.
In his case, since he was not from an EU/EEA country, his employer had to provide evidence that the job he was offered could not be done by any other German, EU/EEA worker.
Furthermore, we highly recommend making sure that you leave yourself with plenty of time to complete the application process. It is common that the process can take between one and three months.
This of course depends largely on your nationality, whether you already have a job in place, and how busy your German consulate or embassy is.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with all of the requirements and documents before beginning the process to make the process much smoother.
How to Apply for a German Work Visa?
A general overview of the step-by-step application process for a German Work Visa:
Get a job offer in Germany.
Check if you need a visa to Germany for long-stays.
Find out where you need to submit your visa application. (Click here to learn more)
Collect all of the required documents according to the instructions.
Make an appointment for a visa interview.
Pay the German Employment Work visa fee (75 Euros)
Attend the interview.
Wait for a response on your visa application.
German Work Visa Application Checklist
In order to successfully apply for a Work Visa in Germany, you will need to provide the following items:
Two, Fully completed application forms – these should be printed and signed
Two Passport Photographs
A Valid Passport
Proof of Residence in your Home Country/Territory: (Driver’s License, Utility Bill)
Proof of Health Insurance Certificate – this should be from your German employer. If you don’t have one, you’ll need a European Health Insurance card, or travel insurance covering you from the time you enter the country until your employment begins and you can secure German health insurance.
Employment Contract or Binding Job Offer – this should detail your salary and job description.
An Up-to-date CV** – this should show your academic qualifications and job experience.
Proof of Qualification** – this includes certificates and diplomas
Personal Covering Letter – this should detail the exact purpose and duration of your stay in Germany.
Proof of a Clean Criminal Record**
Proof of a Paid Visa Fee – a long-stay German visa costs €75
Additional Documentation (on a Case-by-Case Basis) :
Marriage Certificate **
Your Child’s Certificate of Birth. **
Photocopies of previous German residence titles.
Previous Schengen visa.
Previous German resident permit.
If over 45, proof of adequate old age pension provisions.
** For these items we recommend having them notarized and apostilled to guarantee their legitimacy and acceptance by a foreign government.
German Residence Permit for Work Purposes
Do you come from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland or the USA?
If you would like to remain in Germany for longer than 3 months for employment purposes, you must obtain a Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel). Typically, you will apply for this residence permit at the local Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde) if you are in Germany on a valid visa.
The two types of residence permits are limited (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) and unlimited (Niederlassungserlaubnis). The Niederlassungserlaubnis can normally only be applied for after several years of continuous residence or if certain special requirements are met.
The limited permit carries an expiration date. You may be allowed to apply for an extension of that permit when the expiry date nears. Read More Below.
Qualifying for a German Residence Permit
Coming to Germany for work, even if you come from one of the countries listed above is still quite the up-hill battle. Although unemployment in Germany is lower than in past years, competition for certain jobs may be tough and it may be difficult to get permission to work in certain circumstances.
Much depends on whether or not a job can be filled by a German or EU/EEA citizen. People from EU countries have the status of Germans when it comes to working and don’t need special permission.
If you've been offered a job by a German company, it can probably help you in getting the necessary permission. For those interested in being self-employed, it is still possible to get a residence permit provided that you meet certain criteria.
If you are a highly qualified professional or have a critical skill your chances of getting a permission to work are greatly enhanced. You may very well get a residence permit and a well paying job. Germany's immigration laws are geared to making a move to the country attractive to the highly qualified.
The Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde) coordinates with the local branch of the Labor Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) to determine whether or not the permission to work is granted. Permission to work may be granted for a particular job only, not employment in general.
Limited Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) for Work Purposes
As the name suggests, an Aufenthaltserlaubnis is for temporary purposes - typically for 2 years at a time, but in some cases up to 4 years. Ultimately, the period of time you are allowed to hold your permit is determined by your employment contract. You can extend it as many times as you need as long as you maintain your employment status.
This is usually the first “stepping stone” as a foreign worker in Germany when working towards obtaining permanent residence.
Qualifications for a Limited Residence Permit for Work Purposes (Aufenthaltserlaubnis):
Have an Employment Contract or Specific Job Offer
There should already be an employment contract, or at least a draft.
Have Approval from the Federal Employment Agency
This will be coordinated by the Ausländerbehörde.
A residence permit for the purpose of employment can usually only be issued if the Federal Employment Agency has given its consent.
Equivalence of Qualifications or Vocational Training
To obtain a residence permit as a specialist, you must have a German, recognized foreign or comparable foreign university degree or vocational certificate.
A query can be held in the Anabin database of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) as to whether the foreign university degree is recognized in Germany.
Have an established residence in Germany
Requirements on a Case-by-Case Basis:
Professional License to Practice
If a permit is required to practice a profession (e.g. doctors, architects, engineers), the existence of this permit or its promise must be demonstrated before the residence permit is issued.
If 45 years of age or older:
The salary must be at least 55 percent of the annual ceiling in general pension insurance. This currently corresponds to a gross monthly income of at least € 3,795.
The salary may be lower if an adequate pension is already guaranteed from other public or private sources.
Required Documents for a Limited Residence Permit for Work Purposes (Aufenthaltserlaubnis):
Valid passport
1 Current Biometric Photo
35mm x 45mm, front view with neutral facial expression and closed mouth looking straight into the camera, light background
Employment Contract
In the original. An employment relationship in Germany must be established. A permanent establishment in Germany is required.
Proof of Qualification as a Specialist with Academic Training
Evidence (in the original) about
a German university degree, university certificate or
a recognized foreign university degree, assessment in the Anabin database or
a foreign university degree that is comparable to a German university degree, individual and fee-based assessment of the ZAB
Application Form for Employment Permit/Permission to Work (completed)
Form Declaration of Employment (job description, filled out)
Application Form for a Residence Permit (completed)
Only required for the first application / issue of the residence permit.
(Given in the link in German, English, French and Italian)
Professional License to Practice
Only if necessary (see qualifications section above*)
Rental Contract or Sales Contract with Indication of the Living Space (Original)
Living Costs
Proof of the monthly rental costs (e.g. current bank account statement) or costs of the occupied property (original)
Work Certificate (only if your residence permit is extended)
Certificate from the employer stating the length of the employment contract (not older than 14 days)
Proof of Salary (When extending the residence permit for further employment with the same employer)
Proof of net earnings for the first 2 and last 2 months
Proof of Health Insurance
With a statutory health insurance: electronic health card with photo, current confirmation of health insurance
With private health insurance: Proof that you have paid your contributions, for example through bank statements and a certificate from the insurer.
The certificate must state the type, scope and duration of the insurance. Please inform your insurer that you need the certificate for a residence permit for employment.
Proof of Main Residence in Germany
Certificate of Registration of the apartment (Confirmation of Registration or Rental agreement and move-in confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from the landlord.
Fees:
The costs will vary from state to state in Germany. We recommend checking with your local Ausländerbehörde.
However, generally costs will be:
For the first issue: EUR 100.00
For an extension of up to three months: EUR 96.00
For an extension of more than three months: EUR 93.00
Unlimited Residence Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) for Work Purposes
For many expats, the Permanent Residence Permit is the Gold Medal you strive while working abroad in Germany. Essentially, a Niederlassungserlaubnis (also known as a “Settlement Permit”) allows you to stay in Germany for as long as you want to, and without any need to renew. Even if you lose your job, you can remain in Germany while you look for a new one.
This permit is mostly given to people after they have held the temporary (limited) residence permit for 3-5 years or for those with the EU Blue Card. You have nearly all of the same liberties of German/EU citizens - but without the right to vote. How long must you wait before applying? Read more below.
Qualifications for an Unlimited Residence Permit for Work Purposes (Niederlassungserlaubnis):
Your identity is clear and you fulfil the passport requirement. In respect of the passport requirements, it suffices if you are in possession of a replacement identity card.
Your maintenance costs are covered, without you needing recourse to public funds. Your maintenance costs are deemed to be covered if:
you generate income to the amount of the standard rate of social assistance plus
costs for accommodation and heating, as well as
any health insurance contributions.
You do not have any previous criminal convictions.
Your stay does not endanger or impair the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.
You have had a limited residence permit for five years.
Depending on the purpose of the stay for which you have received the residency permit, other time periods can apply.
You have paid contributions to the state pension fund or to another comparable pension scheme for five years.
You are allowed to carry out employment and possess all necessary permits in this respect.
You have sufficient command of the German language (B1 at minimum), as well as basic knowledge of German law and the German social system.
You have sufficient accommodation for yourself and your family.
Required Documents for an Unlimited Residence Permit for Work Purposes (Niederlassungserlaubnis):
Application Form for a permit allowing Permanent Residence Germany or EU
Valid passport
1 Current Biometric Photo
35mm x 45mm, front view with neutral facial expression and closed mouth looking straight into the camera, light background
Proof of Sufficient Income:
Employees should bring:
A copy of your contract,
a recent statement from the employer confirming they work there,
pay slips of the last 6 months,
Self-employed people and freelancers need the most recent tax return (Steuerbescheid) and an audit report (Prüfungsbericht) from a licensed tax consultant.
If you’re no longer working due to retirement, you just need your pension statement (Rentenbescheid), but if you’re unable to work you need to bring a doctor’s statement (fachärztliches Attest), assessment from the employment office, or disability statement (Rente wegen Erwerbsunfähigkeit oder Erwerbsminderung).
Documentation for any additional funds that you receive, like child money (Kindergeld) or parental leave assistance (Elterngeld).
Proof you have health insurance, either through confirmation from the insurance (public) or showing the policy agreement and proof of payment (private).
Proof that you (or your partner) are paying into the pension system (Rentenversicherung) acquired from the German Pension Insurance Fund.
Registration with the City (Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebescheinigung). Read More Below.
Rental agreement or purchase contract that shows the monthly costs and total square meters.
Integration course or German language certificate (B1 at minimum) with the final exam’s grade listed. There may be alternative ways to prove these conditions are met – ask at your local Foreigners Office.
Fees:
The costs will vary from state to state in Germany. We recommend checking with your local Ausländerbehörde.
However, generally costs will be between €113 and €124.
How Long Must I wait for a German Permanent Residence Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)?
If you are a non-EU national and have lived in Germany for at least 5 years (60+ months of health and pension system contributions), then you meet the first requirement for the German permanent residence permit.
But different from the EU permit, you might be able to get the Germany-issued permit sooner as long as you don’t have a criminal record and you fall under one of these categories as detailed by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees:
Specialist: In some cases, you might immediately qualify for a permanent residence permit if you are a well-educated specialist in your field. Generally, this translates to scientists, senior researchers, and instructors. You first need to get a job offer in Germany with a high enough salary to secure your livelihood.
Graduate of a German University: Congrats on your academic achievement! In addition to working for 2 years in Germany (24 months contribution to the pension system), you’ll need to show B1 German language skills.
EU Blue Card Holder: As long as you meet the standard requirements set for the German permanent residence permit, you can apply for it after only 33 months. However, if you pass the B1 German language exam, you can already apply for the permit after just 21 months! Only those months will be counted when you had the EU Blue Card, lived in Germany and contributed to the social security system.
Self-employed: The official requirements are vague, but basically if you meet all of the standard requirements and your business is successful, then you can apply for the permanent permit after just 3 years. This only applies to business owners (Gewerbetreibende). Freelancers (Freiberufliche) have to wait the usual 5 years.
Family Member of a German Citizen: If you have learned basic German, have held a temporary residence permit for at least 3 years, and still live together with the German citizen (spouse, partner, child, or parent) then you should qualify.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees: If you are a recognized asylum seeker or refugee in Germany, you qualify for a permanent residence title like everyone else after 5 years. This can be shortened to 3 years if you can show that you are well integrated and have learned German (C1 level).
Helpful Websites:
We hope you’ve found our website helpful and informative. However, it is always a good idea to check with local and federal authorities on individual cases and situations. Here is a round up of helpful websites when applying for a German Work Visa or German Residence Permit:
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtling: BAMF)
The Federal Ministry of Health (Bundesministerium für Gesundheit)
The German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung)
Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need to apply for a German work visa before I leave my home country?
Depends. Generally speaking, if you are a citizen of the EU and EEA countries, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland or the USA (also known as the Schengen Area), you can enter Germany without the need to obtain a visa first. You can apply with visa application materials at the local Ausländerbehörde.
If not, simply apply for your German work visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Germany in your home country to enter and stay for your intended period.
What is a notarized and apostilled document? How do I get one?
One of the biggest hurdles you will face when moving abroad pertains to documentation. Often, there are documents which Germany requires that either do not exist in other countries or are less formal in your home country.
For example, you will need to bring along a hard copy of your criminal record while applying for a German Work Visa or Residence Permit. However, when I was applying for my residence permit, I found to my astonishment that there is no central database kept in the United States.
I would have to get a copy of my (lack thereof) criminal record for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies independently. Furthermore, once they sent my record via mail, it was no longer considered “secure” since someone could tamper or alter it.
Therefore I had to get copies sealed and sent to a notary to certify that these documents are truthful and valid. A notary public of the common law is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with estates, deeds, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business.
In the United States, all Universities have a person on staff certified as a notary. For others, you may need to seek this out in your hometown.
However, legally speaking a notary only certifies the legality and truthfulness of American documents within the United States. To make sure a foreign country will accept this document, you will also require an Apostille.
Apostilles and authentication certificates validate the seal and signature of a Notary on a document so that it can be accepted in a foreign country.
Apostilles are used when public documents are being transferred between countries that are a party to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. This international treaty streamlined the cumbersome, traditional procedure for authenticating documents.
In the United States, I had to travel to the State capital, where an apostille is acquired by the Secretary of State’s office. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to take care of these matters before you leave your home country! All notarizations and apostilles must be carried out in person.
What is a Registration Certificate in Germany?
If you decide that you are going to stay in Germany for a longer period you must have a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebescheinigung) to prove that you have a residence. You get it at the Registry Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) that is responsible for your community or your city neighborhood.
Registering is a simple matter of going there and filling out a form. They will probably want to see a valid passport or identification card so have them with you. There is no charge for this registration.
A regulation passed in 2015 requires that you also have a written confirmation from your landlord or property owner that you actually live at the address you are registering.
This form is called a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and has to be filled out and signed by the landlord or property owner of your residence. You can download a pdf version of the form here.
Every time you change your residence within Germany, whether you move next door or across the country, you must report this to the registry offices at both the old and new place of residence.
Keep in mind, paperwork is a very normal (and very German) part of life. Registration isn't an action directed at foreigners. Germans, too, must keep the police posted when they move.
