Like many brave people before you, you have decided to turn a new page in your life and try something bold, something hard and something worthwhile; applying for a work visa in Germany. Whatever your reasons, it’s a difficult entreprise and it may sometimes look like an Herculean task. I mean, it’s already hard enough as it is for find a job, but to have a permit to work, it’s almost double the effort.
This blog has helped to deconstruct many complicated topics before, and this won’t be an exception.
This blog has helped to deconstruct many complicated topics before, and the employment visa application for Germany won’t be an exception. So brew yourself some coffee and prepare to dive in while we go step by step.

What is a German work visa and do I need one?
The German work visa is based on a system of residency permits with different conditions based on the specific application and situation. That is like any other residence permit in Germany. If you are not an EU citizen (or from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), you will need permission to live and work in Germany in the form of an employment visa. This does not automatically let you travel and work in the rest of the EU.
Usually, you’ll need to apply before you come to Germany and wait several months for everything to be processed. You can read a broad summary here.
The German Foreigners Office, called the Ausländerbehörde, differentiates between general and specialist employment, as well as temporary employment (guest scientist, au pair, internship), job searching, freelance, and self-employment. Let’s cover the first two categories in-depth in this post.
Do I qualify for the general employment visa?
This is for anyone who wants to live and work in Germany and needs a residence permit for the purpose of employment. For the German work visa, you generally need approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Office) in addition to the Ausländerbehörde.
To improve your chances of approval, you first need a job lined up in Germany. Ideally, this position is on the whitelist; there is a shortage of qualified people in Germany for this profession.
Do I qualify for the specialist work visa or EU Blue Card?
Being a specialist in your field gives you a sort of “golden ticket” to working in Germany. In other words, you’re well-educated and your qualifications are beneficial to the German labor market. You enjoy a privileged status during the visa process and special benefits if you’re approved.
If you are a company executive, senior management, university teacher, or possess special professional qualifications, then you don’t necessarily need approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit and can skip much of the application process. Check with your local research institution or German mission (embassy or consulate) for more details.
For the EU Blue Card, you need to have a higher education degree and:
- earn at least 58.400/year (gross) with your job.
- or
- earn at least €45.552/year (gross) and are employed in a so-called “shortage occupation”: mathematics, IT, natural sciences, engineering, architecture, interior, urban and traffic planning, design, or medicine (except dentistry).
If you fulfill the first financial requirement and got your degree in Germany, you don’t need approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit for your visa. This can mean a faster application process and less hassle!
However, if you have a degree from a foreign university and only fulfill the second financial requirement, you’ll need to get that approval. In both cases, your contract needs to be meeting local German working conditions.
Once approved, the EU Blue Card visa is valid for a maximum of four years, unless you have a limited job contract. In that case your work visa is valid for the length of your job contract, plus three months. After 33 months living in Germany, you can qualify for a permanent residence permit. Get your German language skills certified at a B1 or higher level and you could qualify for that permanent residence permit after just 21 months!
Read a full guide on how to apply for a blue card for Germany.
Learning German is key for a faster permit.
This video is quite helpful as well to wrap your head around the problem too.
What if I don’t have a job lined up yet?
This makes the process for general and specialist employment visas very difficult. These are based on you having a job offer or letter of intent. If you already live in Germany, you can try to apply for a job seeker visa , something we cover in this article in details.
If you need resources on where to find jobs at all, you can read this guide on how to find a good job in Berlin. Most of the tips & resources apply to the rest of Germany as well.
Where and when do I apply for a work visa?
Ideally, you should be applying for the German work visa before you arrive in the country. Your country’s German mission is responsible for handling the visa application and process. If, however, you have citizenship in one of the following countries, you’re allowed to first arrive on a tourist visa and then apply for a work visa in Germany: Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and the USA. Lucky you!
Unless you qualify for this exception, you need to apply for the work visa through your local German mission. They will give you all the necessary forms and tell you the specific requirements.
In most cases, you’ll need to submit the following documents (originals plus copies):
- application forms provided by the local German mission
- valid passport
- biometric photos
- proof of your qualifications and any occupation practice permits
- employment contract or binding job offer
- detailed job description
- proof of safe livelihood (such as bank statements or pay slips)
- fee of €75, but check if you can pay less
The application process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, depending on the visa. So, apply as early as possible! Your employer should be aware that you can’t fly over and start right away.
What happens next?
Once you get the initial approval for your application, you’ll receive an entry visa. Time to pack your bags and find a home in Berlin!
Make sure you register your address and schedule an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde offices in Moabit or Charlottenburg right away! This is where you will apply for a residency permit, which allows you to stay in Germany after the initial 3 months of your entry visa.
You’ll get more details before your appointment, but prepare these documents ahead of time:
- general employment application
- residence permit application
- valid passport
- biometric photo
- job contract
- detailed position description (from your employer)
- proof of professional qualifications, any occupational practice permits
- rental contract/proof of homeownership
- rental costs or expenses for the property
- proof of main address in Berlin
- proof of health insurance (traveler isn’t enough)
- proof of secure finances (EU Blue Card application only)
- fee of up to €100 for most applications, some nationalities have cheaper rates.
Sources vary about how long this part of the German work visa process takes. Expect at least a few weeks and remember – you’re not allowed to work during this time!
Skilled workers: fast tracking your application
The section 81a of the German residence act (81a AufenthG) introduces the concept of an accelerated procedure for skilled workers. This special visa application method reduces the time it takes to process significantly. This method looks a bit different than the traditional one:
- As an prospective employee, you give powers of attorney to your employer so they can represent you on your behalf when talking to the different German authorities involved (Immigration office, Federal Employment Agency, recognition bodies, German mission abroad).
- Your future employer applies for this fast-track process with the immigration office. It does the ground work on your behalf to have your qualifications recognized, and green light any other pre-approval conditions.
- Once all this qualification process has been carried out, the Immigration office will issue an pre-approval meant for you, the employee. This document should be presented together with the rest of the documents during your appointment at your local German mission.
- A decision is taken within another 3 weeks.
- Your future employer pays a 411€ fee for this.
Please note that this fast-track procedure is also taking spouses and children into account too. It can be used if those family members’ applications are submitted at the same time.
What if my application for a Germany work visa is denied?
Don’t. panic.
If your German work visa application is rejected, you can ask for the reason through the remonstration process and possibly attempt to appeal the decision. The process requires you to appeal in writing to the German mission that handled your application. They must reassess your application. If they reject it again, they must tell you the reason in the form of a Remonstrance Notice.
You also have the option to appeal the decision within one month through the Administrative Court in Berlin. In both cases, you should find a lawyer that knows their way around these topics.
To avoid rejection, double-check that your application is complete, your passport is valid for the specified timeframe, all your documents are in good order, and you meet the requirements of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
I’m nervous, what do I need to watch out for?
Here are a few tips to keep your composure
- Visas are only valid for a limited time and are often tied to your job contract. If you leave that job you will need to reapply for a visa to stay in Germany.
- Not sure if you should bring a specific document to a meeting? Bring everything, just in case. This will make you feel more confident going in and might even earn you a rare compliment for being well-organized!
- If you have poor German skills, bring an interpreter or German-speaking friend with you to appointments.
- Be prepared to have your most important documents translated by a certified translator, even if they’re all in English.
- Schedule appointments well in advance. The immigration and registration offices in Berlin are often booked solid for weeks.
- Be on time! Germans are big on deadlines and expect everyone to follow official procedures. They do not appreciate tardiness and requests for emergency exceptions.
Remember, the people processing your application are also humans (probably). They want to do well at their job, follow the rules, and get home for the weekend. You can make everyone’s life much easier by being well-prepared for meetings and staying organized.
The German company I’m going to work for is planning to send me abroad; does this not mean that my German residence permit will expire?
Even if you have secured a German work visa, there can be a number of reasons for its termination. One simple reason could be that it has reached its expiration date. It can also be unilaterally terminated if you stay outside the country for longer than 6 months or if Germany is not your common place of residence anymore.
In those conditions, to be sent abroad by a German company to work from there is a legitimate concern. However, the German residence act does plan for such a scenario, by raising this 6 months limit to whatever is needed. Make sure to discuss this with your HR people before hand, so they are aware of that. In doubt, you can also call this hotline to ask what extra-steps might be needed.
How I can get help or guidance?
You can of course decide to talk to immigration specialists. For more general questions, you can also call a dedicated hotline setup by in cooperation with many different German administrations. They can answer your questions in English. More info about this hotline this way.
Aside from official sources and professional practices, you can also turn to this Facebook group: Problems and Challenges with Ausländerbehorde and Einbürgerungsamt (Berlin). While it may not replace professional advice, it’s a good way to get grassroots feedback during your application.
Good luck and feel free to leave comments below! 🙂
German work visa – FAQ
Maximum 4 years but it varies depending the type of contract (e.g: limited contract). It is renewable and eventually, you will be able to apply for a permanent residence permit.
Mastering German is not one of the requirements listed by the immigration office. However, it does improve your chances to find opportunities in Germany, in more fields.
When your contract comes to an end, you must notify the immigration office immediately. It will grant you a grace period of 3 to 6 months to let you find a new job.
It’s possible but complicated. A work visa is meant for a single employer. A new application is needed if you want to change jobs. However, if you have been working in German for at least 3 years AND you have an unlimited contract, it is possible to change jobs without a new application. Read here for more info.
Check your residence permit document. If it states “Selbständige Tätigkeit gestattet“, you can register as a freelancer, but it cannot become your main job. Please remember that your employer needs to be aware of it too.
You can leave the country for a period of 6 months without losing your residence permit. If you plan to leave for a longer period of time, it is possible to ask a special permission at the immigration office.
Hi Bastien–what a wonderful resource. Thank you. What kind of visa would you recommend if you have a job that’s fully remote (and the company is not based in Germany) and you’re legally hired as a contractor? It’s a full-time job despite the legal status, so a freelancer visa doesn’t seem to be an option, but at the same time you can’t get an employment letter from a German employer… Thanks very much for any advice (feel free to point me to an article I may have missed) you can give.
Hey Vi. If you could be considered an employee despite the status, this type of contract would be simply illegal in Germany, it’s called “bogus self-employement” (Schein Selbständigkeit). I’ve wrote about it in a few places, like here for example. That unfortunately does not give you a lot of options…
And will they be very picky regarding my major in my university diploma and my job title? My diploma says that I got a degree in media and my job is an Art Director in advertising…I’m worried if it will be a problem
Hey Felicias. Don’t think that will be a big issue.
Hi Bastien,
I have just received a work visa D and planning to travel to Germany, however my employer says I no longer have the job position. What are my options .
Best regards,
Edmond
Hey Edmond. So sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately, I have no idea what solutions there could be for you. Your visa is tied to your employer/job so this might mean that you can’t travel to Germany yet. You could try to call the Make it in Germany hotline to ask if it’s possible to get a temporary extension for you to come to Germany and find a new job. Good luck with it all!
Hi, I have a question, if I got an appointment on September 6th 2021 and my work contract states that my start date is September 20th 2021, is it okay? Because as far as I know the whole process takes 1-3months
If you apply in Germany, it might be a bit faster, but that’s counting on luck. The immigration office might ask you to push back the starting date.
But they wouldn’t reject the visa right? And thank you so much for answering!
CAn’t stay for sure. Better ask this hotline that question.
Hi Bastien, can I still apply for a work visa if I don’t have a university degree but I still have job offers? Also can a low paying job such as a barista still qualify for a work visa, if so does it have to be a full-time job?
Hey Abi. The unfortunate answers is: it depends. If you have the right vocational training and experience, you may not need a university degree, although it can reduce your chances. It depends on the nature of your application/profile and the kind of job/industry you are aiming for here in Germany.
Very useful information, really thank you so much for providing such information. I am really glad to see this information.
Hi Bastien, This article is very well written and has resolved most of my queries. One query to which I was unable to find an answer in the article is I have got a job offer from Germany and I am in the process of applying for German employment visa. But the question that I have is how do backlogs affect your chances of securing an employment visa? and is there any limit on backlogs defined by German embassy? I have more than 15 backlogs and I am worried that this might affect my chances of securing a employment visa. I am eligible for a bluecard as my degree and university is recognized by German embassy. I fall under highly skilled category and I have around 8 years of experience in my field.
Please help me if you have any information regarding this.
Hey Deepak. What do you mean by backlogs?
Hi Bastien,
By backlog I meant failing in a subject and then reattempting that subject. So does no of reattempts or failed subjects matter while applying for employment visa.
Hey Deepak. No it doesnt.
Hello Bastien!
I am employed as full time worker in Berlin with freelance Visa since 1years ago, I just got a information that normally I can not work like that. It means, I had to changed my visa to employee Visa when I started to work as full time worker. However I did not know about it and my employer didn’t even know that. I work in the same occupation as listed on my freelance visa and I originally came from out of EU country.
Could You give me an idea how can I manage to my current situation from now on please?
Thank you.
*sorry please let me correct!
I came from Not EU country.
Hey Mimi. I can’t give advice on specific immigration topics, sorry. I’d suggest you start looking for an immigration consultant, or else call the hotline. I can only imagine that you’d need to for a work visa from scratch.
Hello everyone
Can you please help me to clarify this issue? I am currently doing my MBA in Germany and I work as a working student. However my working student contract will expire soon and I would love to ask for a full time contract in my company but the problem is that my MBA program will be finished only next year.
I have been told that Bachelor’s degree will work too. I can apply for a job visa if I have my Bachelor’s degree (for job visa application Uni degree is obligatory) but the problem is that my Bachelor’s degree is in Hospitality business and what I do now is completely opposite to Hospitality industry. I work in Sales and Business Development in Tech company. The question is will I still be able to apply for a full time contract with my Hospitality Bachelor even though my position in the contract will be in Sales? Appreciate your help. Thank you
Hey Vlada. Not sure about this one. Better ask this official hotline about this.
Thank you Bastien for your help and work that you do for us 🙂 Really helpful
hello,
I am hoping to buy a cafe business in the near future and wondered if anyone knew whether this would be possible while still
on a working visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) Or would I have to be on a self employed visa and prove I can invest the money in the cafe business?
I have been in Berlin for 2 years and 2 months now and want to get permanent residency as soon as possible.
Btw my current job does not qualify me for a Blue card.
Thank you!
Hey Sophie. There are maybe some special provisions on your current visa that allows you to become self-employed. Check that first but in all likelihood, you would need a new visa yes.
Hi Bastien,
Thank you for your amazing job in here. I am a non-EU national and hold a Masters degree from a German university and worked in Germany in a related field for two years, and also have a B2 German certificate. I left my job at the end of two years (paid into the pension system for 24 months), and since then I could not find another job related to my degree and my work permit will expire in 5 months from now. Do you think I could extend my work permit with an unlimited contract to work full time in a cafe instead? Would it matter how much I earn? Also, in case I could extend my permit, for how long it will be extended? I appreciate your help and your time!
Hey Yootazi. I really can’t comment on individual cases for such precise questions as it depends on too many parameters. I can’t risk giving you false info. I suggest to write the Because Berlin team there, or call the hotline i suggested in the post. they might help you.
Hallo,
I am a working Software professional. I want to apply for German JOB search VISA but I do not want to quit my current JOB.
Is it possible to apply for JOB Search VISA with holding my current JOB. I can avail Work from Home option to continue my services with current company. Whenever I got a new opportunity, I will resign from my current job.
Hey Abhimanyu. If i understand your situation correctly, you won’t be needing a job seeker visa (more details on that here) since during your search, you will still be working for your current company. You have to check if your current work visa allows you to switch companies at this point.
hello everyone,
my work permit was denied for this reason :
„Ihre Anfrage nach § 38a AufenthG laut dem Arbeitgeberservice der Arbeitsagentur Berlin-Mitte stehen für die Beschäftigung bevorrechtigte Arbeitnehmer zur Verfügung”
any suggestions? is it possible to make an appeal ? if so is there any chance?
Thank you
Hey Adam. It’s always possible to appeal a decision of course, but no positive outcome is guaranteed. If i understand this properly, your position is not considered to be part of so called “shortage” occupations and there are other people in Germany that can do this job. Maybe try to see with your employer if the position can be described differently so it does qualify as a that?
Hey Bastien, Thank you for response.
This position requires languages skills ( Italian , french and English ) and customer support experiences ….
dishwasher , delivery man and security agent are shortage occupations ??
Hey Adam. You can check for yourself via this list, but i believe that would not be the case.
Dear BASTIEN ,
it was an ironic question as three of my friends got work permit with these jobs despite that they are not present in that list.
Hello,
I am planning to change my “Job search residence permit” for the “Working residence permit”. There are two points which I don’t have:
1) rental contract/proof of homeownership
2) rental costs or expenses for the property,
as I live with my partner, who is paying and having the rental contract on his name.
Nevertheless, I do have an Anmeldung on the current address.
What should I do in that case? Is only Anmeldung enough? With which documents I can explain my situation to the Immigration office?
Looking forward for your advice!
Hey Anna. What i would do in my opinion, would be to make you the Untermieter so that you have a real contract to show, your partner being your Hauptmieter.
Hi Bastien,
I have studied my Masters at a German University (in English), then right after took on a full-time job and had quit after 23 months of working there. I went to the Ausländerbehörde and they gave me a 3-months Fiktionsbescheinigung to look for a job within this timeframe. However, My 3 months is almost up and I still have some job applications that are open and no new job secured/lined-up yet. In this case, do you know what are the possibilities of extending my Visa? Should I continue to ask for another 3 months Fiktionsbescheinigung or can I apply for a German language visa and then attempt to convert to employment visa after I find a new job?
Thanks in advance!
Hey LT. I cannot comments on individual situation with so little details. You may want to ask a specialist to see where you best cahcens are,
I have relatives in Bavaria that own a dairy farm, and they’ve offered for me to work for them. I don’t know German all that well, and I have no farming experience or education. I know the German part and experience are biggies when it comes to being approved, but I will be staying and working for family so I should be able to be approved?
Hey Katherine. I can’t really comment on individual profiles. Sorry.
If you’re a USA Citizen applying for a general employment visa/residence permit and have a job offer lined up already, are you required to prove German language proficiency? It seems a lot of websites don’t mention it but some mention needing it but rather vaguely.
Hey Chuck. The best way to interpret this is that it increases your chances during the review process. It is not listed as required officially no, especially if it’s one of the so-called shortage occupation.
Hello,
I am an american seeking to work in germany. Will I need to speak german to get a work permit? Is it possible to get permit with no german skills?
Thanks,
Jake
Hey Jake, In my opinion, this is possible but you get much better chances if you get hired in some selected professions, with a high shortage of profiles, or if the company hiring can prove there is no German person that can take you position.
Hi, i have a job offer in hamburg and leave here now in munich and i’m from philippines, i just want to know if i still need to go back to my home country to process my papers or i can do it here in germany?thanks
Hey Czarina, i can’t really answer about this on so little details. If you are confident you can get your new visa before your current one expires, it may be an option.
Hi,
I am working in Germany Frankfurt, with one of the software company.
I am here for limited period of time but i want to live in Germany for long term, so can I change my job here ? can i switch the company? where i can get permission to live here permanently.
Currently i have D type employment visa.
Hey Killer. I can’t comment on particular situations but the fact that you already have a work visa in Germany is a positive thing. If you were to change job or companies, you’d need to apply for an entirely new visa with the new job and the company you will choose.
Hi, I recently applied the German job seeker visa from India, but my visa is not approved and the reason saying, your foreign university degree either recognized in ANABIN. And also saying like, “Your Master of Business Administration does not meet this requirement”. The status is “conditionally comparable” is not sufficient.
How ever, when i checked in ANABIN website, i can see Bangalore university is registered and showing under H+ category. And also, in the letter they suggested like the university degree will be evaluated by the ZAB.
Kindly let me know any one of you faced similar situation and what are the next steps? thanks in advance!
Hi, I am MD and I am from India. I am a software engineer, which is in “shortage occupation” in Germany. I have job offer from Germany. Company is offering me 65k salary. I have done Bachelor in Science with Mathematics. I have checked my degree in Anabin, and it is “Bedingt vergleichbar”. My University is recognized. Am I eligible for Blue Card? Do I need pre approval from ZAV?
Hey MD. Since visa approval are on a case by case basis, i cannot comment on particular profiles. Eligibility rules are listed in the post. Please refer to them.
Hello,
I have applied German employment visa on 16/12/2019, but ,It is almost, one month I have not received any visa approval notification from the Consulate.I have to start my job in 31/1/2020.
I am so worried about Visa. Please ,what I do? Can anyone tell me that ,how I know the progress of my Visa?
Thank you,
Mathew
Hey Mathew. I suggest you contact the consulate to know if it’s possible to get a status update. Rules may vary from consulate to consulate. Good luck with it all!
I have applied for Job seeker visa from India in the month of Dec 2019, and i have been granted the Visa, but the validity of the Visa is showing only as 4 months, where as this visa is generally granted for 6 months, could you please suggest how should i approach with the German Consulate about it.
Thanks & Regards,
Chandana
Hey Chandana, not really since it depends on many parameters and it’s based on your profile. I cant risk an answer.
Hi, I did my masters computational lifescience in Germany and recently received a job offer in Pharma company and the salary is 2400 per month.
Is it possible for me to get work visa for this job?
Hey Ann. I cannot comment on individual cases because there are many many parameters. i suggest your get in touch with a immigration/relocation consultant.
Hey Bastien,
I’m an electronic engineer from Tunisia with an experience of 1 year and a half. I got a job offer in Berlin and now I’m starting the visa procedures. Since I don’t know so much about the Blue Card Visa and work permit, I don’t know to which Category I have to apply when filling the application form of the visa appointment. So can I please know which I should apply for, knowing that I’m not offered the right amount for a Blue card ? is there a difference between a work permit and work visa? Thank you in advance.
Hey Sabrine. Work permit and visa are interchangeable terms in the post. As for the rest, i can’t comment on individual situations on so little details, sorry.
Hi Bastien,
The post is very helpful. I am trying to fill the Germany D type visa application for Long term employment and have a couple of questions. FYI, I have a two-year limited contract from my German Employer.
1. For the question, What are your means of subsistence? Do I have to enter the actual salary I will be getting or just write the words salary/income?
2. For the question, The intended duration of stay in Germany? for the TO: date do I have to enter my end date of the contract as it is a limited contract or leave it blank?
Any help is appreciated, Thanks.
Hey Vamsi. I am not immigration lawyer so i can only give you opinions: 1- Enter the type of income and the amount too. 2. Write: at least until…
Hi there! I am from Non-EU and got an offer from an employer in Berlin but ZAV rejected my application based on 2 reasons, which is 1–) there is available person in Germany to do this job (Position: Financial Reporting Expert) and 2-) salary I got offered (37k) is lower than the job description which mentioned by authority at least (42k).
I knew someone who got offer even less for similar position at the same company and only went directly for visa at embassy and got accepted [a year earlier].
My employer even hired 3rd party specialist to handle ZAV pre-approval but still got no good result. Finally, the agent only send me email saying that she has informed my employer that there is no possible way to get ZAV acceptance except 1-) increase the salary [which is an obvious No to me], 2-) make change to the job description [ I don’t think as a multi-international company will bother to do that as they receive a lot of applicants each day] or 3-) to restart the recruiting process [which will waste employer’s time and I can ‘t see the point that they will do that].
All in all, my case can be concluded as a negative outcome now but I just want to ask if you or from anyone you know/hear from faced similar situation and would like to share here their cases about their happy endings.
I even also leave current job for this offer but now turned out this way.
Thanks in advance if anyone will share his/her experiences.
Thanks for sharing and sorry to read about the negative outcome.
Hi Bastien,
I’ve lived in berlin now for 1year and 9months. I come from South Africa. My first contract with my company was 1year which meant my residential/work visa was valid for 1 year. I renewed my contract with my company for another year after that and that brings us up to today. My question is:
What documents would i need to take with me to the Bundesamt? When i was there last they said just 2years payslips. What if you apply early and only have payslips for 1year and 9months? Would love a personal email of someone who i could get in contact with for these types of questions 🙂
Thanks for your time
Hey Matthew. You can try this official hotline here: https://www.bamf.de/SharedDocs/Struktur/Organisationseinheiten/DE/Ansprechpartner/bamf-anerkennung-beruf-hotline-einheit.html
Hi Bastien
I’m a US citizen in Berlin and I am applying for my work permit soon (not blue card). I have a job offer and my future employer helped me get my documents ready. I travel quite often for personal reasons and am wondering (1) will the Foreigners Office take my passport for holding when I apply? (2) How long does it take for a work visa to be approved? Many thanks!
Hi there, thanks for the informative information,
I got a job offer from German based company and apply for work visa in embassy and all the papers is in order , my question is do usually Germany embassy mission required a verified stamp degree certificate from the ministry of foreign affairs where I live ? Or they just accept the regular graduate certificate issued by my university, I mean is there any specifications for how your certificate should be ?
Thanks again
Hey AAA. It depends on the country, you’d better ask the German mission directly for that.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the article! I have already gotten my job seeker visa approved, if I receive an employment offer do I still need to go to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit to get approval before applying for the work permit? And also, how long will the visa decision take when you apply in person at the Auslanderbehorde? Thanks
Hey Maia. Yes, the process is the same for everybody. How long? The unfortunate answer is it depends… It can be on the spot, after a few days, few weeks…
Hi Bastian,
Im a US national, and I did my Masters study here in Germany, and now that I have graduated I am on a job seekers Visa. I just landed a contract as a Recruitment Consultant with a 30,000€ salary plus uncapped commission structure. Im concerned about whether or not my visa will be denied based on my salary. What are the other things I need to look out for. I have already been here for three years, surely it should be easier for me to land a work visa.
Hey Olivia, I’m not sure… What is your question exactly?
my question is, what are some of the grounds they might deny my resident permit? My biggest concern is it being denied because it’s not related to the degree that I studied here in Germany. I got my Masters of Public Policy and I will be working in pharmaceutical recruitment in Munich
Hey Olivia. Sorry, i can’t say anything about this. You might want to try the hotline to get an answer on this? See the end of the article.
Hi Bastien,
Thank you so much for posting all of this information – it is hugely helpful.
I am a South African National with temporary residency in Italy – I studied my masters there and am now on an Italian job seekers visa. I received a job offer from a company in Berlin, and went back home (to South Africa) to apply for a National (D) Visa, which would later be converted into a work permit and residency. My visa application was denied, based on the fact that my salary was too low. They stated that i needed a monthly income of €2400, while mine was €2250. I have now returned to Europe. My employer has agreed to raise my salary, but does this mean that i have to go through the entire procedure again, and wait a further 6 weeks for the visa to be authorised. Do I have to return back to my home country to do this? Is there a change that they may reject it again? Am I able to appeal the rejection with the counter salary offer?
Sorry for all of the questions, and thank you in advance for your help.
Hey Ali. If you want to appeal the decision, you’d need to do that with the German mission you made the first process with. In which case, it would not start the process from scratch again. It’s mentioned there.
Hey Bastien, I find your website really instructive. I have a job proposal and I’ve started the process for the visa, however that was denied accusing that my salary is below the my qualifications. I am a Production engineer and I would like to know, is it possible to appeal over this denial or is there anything else I could do to make the process work?
Thanks in advance.
Hey SCCP. Yes, you can appeal but you’d need to approach a immigration lawyer to do this, and evaluate your chances.
Hello Bastien,
I took your advice and started looking for a job. The thing is though, I want to give my employer a possible date of start. Can I work with them once they gave me a contract and I apply for the work permit, i.e being on a Fiktionsbescheinigung?
Hey Alper. That is an excellent question. The only way to resolve this is to be very transparent with your future employer about this, to manage expectations. If they give you a job offer, mention that you will need some time for the application.
Hello Bastien,
I have got a contract and my salary qualifies for EU Blue card. But I need to join in a month.
I visited the Ausländerbehörde, since I am eligible for Blue card they asked me to get my certificates verified from ZAB.
But as I have only one month time, I thought can I apply for work permit alone and later apply for Blue card once I get the ZAB.
Is this possible? or ZAB recognition will be required for work permit also?
Hi dear,
My name is Martins currently working and living in Dubai as an Environmental, Health and Safety officer. I have a Masters Degree in Sustainable water and Environmental Management from Kristianstad University Sweden. I want to know if my chances for getting a work visa will be high since I have a high qualification (masters degree) from a recognized European university (Kristianstad University Sweden) Also will the EU BLUE CARD be applicable for me? Am planning on contacting the German embassy in Dubai to schedule an appointment and kick-start the application… please kindly advise.
Hey Martins. I give general information here and cannot give personal consultation. It’s best to talk to an immigration lawyer for that.
Hello Bastien,
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from India. Am I eligible for applying for Blue Card ?
Thanks,
SK.
Hey Santhosh. I can’t possibly say on such little details.
Hello Bastien,
It’s a very informative Post. I have received a D Visa ( Specialist ) one , it is for 8 months. When do I need to apply for extension i.e., how many days before the end date. Should I file the extension application from Germany or have to leave Germany and apply ?
Thanks for your patience and time.
SK
Hey Santhosh. I can’t find the source just now but i believe you can get your visa extended first from 4 weeks before your current visa expiration date. You can do that within Germany. You can call the hotline in case you have a doubt.
For the Working Holiday visa overseas embassies are now putting a 6-month working restrictions on the visa. But if you apply in Berlin this isn’t the case and it’s possible to work for a full 12-months. There is a lot of information online about applying for the Working Holiday visa before you entering Germany but my advice to avoid the working restrictions is to apply in Berlin.
Hey Simon. that’s a great tip. Thanks for letting us know. Do you have a source on that?
Thank you so much for all the information! I’m an American and recently graduated with a Masters in Architecture. I am currently in Berlin on a tourist visa but have been in contact with companies. I have an appointment in a few weeks to apply for a work searching visa. A few questions: Is it problematic to talk to companies/interview while in the country? If I get a job offer before my appointment, can I use that appointment for a work visa instead? Is there any benefit to having a work searching visa prior to applying for a work visa?
Hey Melissa. Have you seen the post about the job seeking visa for Germany here? I suppose that having a job seeker visa shows that you have proved your relevance for the job market of this country, which can help for the work visa afterwards. It’s not a problem to do interviews while in the country. Regarding your appointment, talk with your German mission directly to see if you need a different appointment then. Every mission have their internal logic.
HI, I am in preparation of submitting my German national visa application in Singapore. Have a question on job contract. Do I have to have the original of job contract or soft copy is sufficient.
Thank you.
What is a soft copy?
Copy Received in Email
Hi Aleta. It’s best to ask your German mission directly. Some wants an original contract, some think a copy is fine too.
If we submit the degree photocopy with ANABIN database print outs for ZAV approval. Then foreign university degree recognition process is done by ZAV?
Hi All,
I hope this message finds all of you well !!!
I am working in Portugal, I have Residence Permit. If i can get work contract in Germany is it possible i can get Residence Card in German. Can anyone guide me how i can apply or process.
I’ll be looking forward response from anyone.
ThankYou
Hi Bastien,
Thank you for this helpful post! I am graduating this summer from a German university MA program and am interested in staying. I am able to get a job somewhere I interned previously immediately after finishing the degree; however, the salary won’t meet the financial qualifications. In the meantime, is it possible to apply for the 18-month looking for a job visa and stay on with this job until I find something more lucrative? Without the position, I will not have enough funds to show “proof of a secure livelihood” for the 18-month seeker visa otherwise. Thanks so much in advance!
Hey Jess. That would not work unfortunately because one is not allowed to work on a job seeker visa, as detailed here.
Sorry Bastien, with job-seeking visa you are allowed to do any kind of work only if you secured your degree from Germany. Please don’t give wrong information.
Hey Mamun, thanks for the comment. Can you point me to a source for this please?
Hi
I have 15years of exp in my skillset and it’s in shortage. I do have a Job Offer but my degree lines up to be an Associate level degree as per the database.
Is there anything that can be done to process my work permit or if there’s any other visa other than Blue card, that I can be eligible to work on?
Hey Samy. I don’t understand the sense of you question. Why would you not attempt a work visa?
Hi,
My earlier application for employment visa has been rejected saying the foreign university degree is not comparable. I have submitted two documents, they might be confused with each other. One was degree certificate and one was normal course certificate. Now I am applying for new application with the new firm. I am thinking to give only degree certificate with ANABIN database information. Is it okay? will they say why I have not submitted the other course certificate that I submitted last time?
Hey there. It’s hard for me to tell on such little details but if this one document is satisfying requirements for the application, then i think it’d be fine.
Hi, first of all thanks for creating and maintaining such a great website, it is really helpful for this community.
To my question: I have a work contract starting in November this year. I applied for a Blue Card visa, I suppose that will work out. However the company wants me to participate in language classes (which they pay for) in Germany two months before the contract starts. I am fine with that, but I don’t know whether I will be allowed to enter the country already two months before the work contract starts.
Do you know how this works? How far in advance (before the contract starts) may I enter the country with a work visa?
Thanks a lot!
Hey there. Can you not enter and stay for that period on a tourist visa or entry visa maybe on a typical 3 months period? You can ask the hotline mentioned at the end of the article too. If nothing else helps, you might need to apply for a language course visa for that period, as detailed here.
Hi, thanks for your quick response!
No that would not work. I would need to leave the Schengen area the latest after the 3 months period, then return to my home country (which would cost a lot since i’m from South America) and then go to the embassy, get the work visa and return.
Hence my question how long in advance I could travel to Germany with a work visa. Or do you think there is another way?
hello,
its very unfortunate to write here the story of a German National Visa Rejection and at the same time my prerogative to do so. well, the rejection letter simply says about the Degree Certificate is not being recognized. I carried the Anabin list on the interview date and the interviewer was reluctant to accept it by saying since i have had the BA (Berlin Federal Agency Approval Letter) and the Work Contract from the employer, there was no need to accept it. on the contrary, the verdict has come on the basis of not providing the proof. I am baffled, is it because i am a Management Grad and not with a STEM Background. My joining date in Berlin is on June 15th. I dont know if i can make it to the date.
what should i do? can someone guide me please.
Hey Vivek. Thanks for submitting your case. You can decide to appeal for the decision on those grounds, as mentioned in the post or here. In this case, using a lawyer would probably be the best option. Hope this helps.
Hey. Any updates on your case? I’ve applied today for work visa and I have carried the ANABIN database printout and the person said it wasn’t necessary. I just came across your post. Am I in trouble now?
Hi, I have a Masters degree from Germany & have been employed in Bayern for the past two years (on a valid work permit). Last month I received a new job offer from Berlin and am planning to start from June 15th. My documents (current visa, job description) have been forwarded to the BfA by my company. My salary is above 50k & have already completed B1 integrations course. How long does it take to get approval? Under what circumstances can my application be rejected ?
Hey AB, it’s extremely tricky to assess processing times. Common causes for rejection are listed the post but since we are talking about a renewal, i guess it depends if your new job is also part of the list of occupation/profile pool shortages in Germany/Berlin.
Hi ,
I got my pre approval letter on 26-0ct-2018 and I finished my intervw and got the visa on march 2019 . Unfortunately I could not travel till now and visa is valid for another 4 months.. is there is any problem in travelling or working because my preapproval letter is alreay passed 6 months ,, do i need to apply visa again ? or is there any visa to get preapproval letter again ?
Hey Mukesh. Not sure i understand the question?
Hey Bastien- thanks for the informative writeup! I have a question about the paperwork involved in converting a Job Seeker Visa to a Work Permit. For my Job Seeker Visa, I only needed the Anmeldung, I didn’t need an official lease stating the cost of rent. I still have the Anmeldung, but I’m in a sublet and have no official paperwork from the landlord. I have a job contract and my company is trying to schedule me an appointment with the BIS, but it might not happen in time before my start date, so I offered to go to the Ausländerbehörde to sort things out on my own. I didn’t know I needed an official lease, and now I’m worried that if I turn up and try to do it on my own, I’ll be rejected. Any thoughts on my situation would be helpful 🙂 thanks!
Hey there. Yes, it’s a difficult situation indeed. There is no magical solution i’m afraid. You need an official contract to present to the authorities. It could also be in a WG as well, maybe start there?
I am applying for work permit to work in Germany through an agent. The agent sent me a quienaire in regarding to the immigration. One of the questions is if I have any contagious disease. I am diagnosed with Hepatitis B but was told that the chance of me infecting anyone is low.
My question is
1)Should I declare my diagnosis of Hepatitis B?
2)Will the diagnosis affecting my application of work permit?
3) Do I require to provide any medical evidence or attend any health screening as part of application of work permit?
I am very worried about this. I hope to hear from you.
Regards
Lim
Hey Lim. You should trust your agent and ask him the question directly. I believe that contagious diseases would be pandemic and difficult to cure ones, not “common” infections like Hepatitis B.
Hi Bastien, thanks for another great informative post.
On the Berlin.de Service Portal, it states that as a prerequisite for the issuance of a residence permit for the purpose of employment you must have your main residence in Berlin, and in required documentation it states you need to provide your lease. How is that possible for non-EU citizens that are applying from outside Germany? Does it mean they would need to have an apartment already organised before even applying?
Many thanks.
Hey Amy, the logic is that you can apply for temporary permit to enter the country from abroad, and apply for a residency permit once you are here.
My son is a professional soccer and has been offered a contract to play for lower level team in Germany for very little money (less that $10,000 annually) . Initially I was going to have him apply for a work visa but didnt know if work permits would be issued for athletes. I saw your article and got to thinking that maybe he should apply for a freelance visa. Do you think he would quality for a freelance visa an athlete with small contract offer?
Hey Willie, you might want to talk to a professional but it depends on the conditions put in the contract. If it fits the definition of an employment contract, then a work visa is probably best suited. However, one might question the chances of getting the visa granted, when the total annual income is so low. It doesn’t satisfy minimum permit requirements.
hi,the mentioned information is really helpful.
my question is i am from india with bachelors of engineering degree and its regarding employment contract.
if i received the contract from german employer for 12 months in my software filed job and based on this contract i got stamped employment visa.
i will travel next month and suppose i got another job from german employer with unlimed/3 year contract and i wish to join these employer.
please let me know what process should be done.
1) should i reapply for the employment visa with new contract?
2) can i travel on my existing stamped visa and directly join 2nd employer?
Hey Pratik. I’m not sure i understand the situation properly. If your visa is tied to your employer/job, you’d need to get a new permit if you changed jobs yes. 2) your work visa allows you to enter Germany.
I am from india and i have applied for work visa in germany and its been 2 week. i dont have zav approval as said by my german employer it will be done by embassy and my gross salary is 24000€ because i am a nurse and not recognised in germany after recognition they said my salary would be as equivalent to other nursing professional till then i will work as elderly care nurse. So do what are the chances for visa approval will i get approval?
Hey Indu. That’s really hard for me to say but elder care professional are in high demand, so that could play in your favor.
If I am starting the process with my tourist visa running out, how do I go about getting a visa extension to stay in country while application is being processed? Thanks!
Hey Dave. Tricky situation. I think you’d be best calling the hotline to ask.
Hi. I must first say that you have great content and support here. I’m hoping that you can enlighten me. Well, my question: Can the Job Seeker Visa transitioned to an Artist or a Self-Employment Visa after entry to Germany? I am a Turkish citizen living in the US and want to go to Berlin to further my career. I am graduated from an art school in Germany but I also work commercially as a photographer and video producer. I just can’t decide what would be the most suitable way to take. I would really appreciate your support.
Hey Taner. The job seeker visa is designed so it can only lead to an employment visa. If you come here to be self-employed, you need to apply for a German freelance visa.
I arrived in Germany 4 years ago, I got a Blue Card, then lost my job for one year…then got a very good job back again. What will happen when I go and ask for a Permanent Resident Permit?!, …
Hey Nene. Sorry, i cannot help you on this matter, but this makes me think that i should write a post on it.
Hey 🙂 Thanks for all the tips!
I’m from Israel and I came here on a working holiday visa which is valid through May 19. Meanwhile, I got a job and I got working visa.
If I’m gonna quit my current job, does my initial visa is still valid till May? Or was it cancelled the minute I got the working visa?
Another one – I’ve got the working visa for 3 years. Does it still valid when I quit? I know i’ll need a new one when getting a new job, but can I stay meanwhile on this one? If not – do I have a specific period after I quit to look for my next job?
Thanks in advance for everything!
Hey Pola. Well done on the visa. I don’t know about your first question. Maybe ask the Foreigner’s office directly or your embassy. Second question: you may have to check for your case again but i believe your working visa is tied to a position/company, so if you quit, that’s also it for your residence permit. Again, check with your embassy if your visa has some sort of grace period attached to it.
Hi there, I have received an employment contract from a company in Berlin and they will pay a gross salary of 35,000 eur. I have my appointment coming up this month with the German embassy. Is it easy to get work visa if I have all the documents ready, or is there any possibility that my visa will be denied? Also, how long does it usually take approximately?
Hi there. thanks for posting a comment. It’s always hard to answer those questions because it’s almost a case by case basis. If you have all documents ready and fullfill conditions, then it should be fine. Processing times depend on your embassy and how busy they are, can’t answer that precisely either.
Hi, I am Indian and I finished my Business studies in France recently. I am currently living in France on French student VISA. I did my student Internship for 6 months in Germany. The company arranged me the work permit (ZAV approval). Now, I attended an interview with a Biotech start up company in Berlin, Germany. The company is offering me 47K – 50K € per year gross salary. This time it seems that I have to do the entire VISA procedure. Does my previous German work Visa for my Internship would ease my work permit procedure if I apply on my own? Please guide me. Thank you for your patience.
Thank you,
Siva Ram.
Hey Siva. Nice work on getting a job here! Applying on your own doesn’t improve or decrease your chances per say, it’s just that the company which did that for you has the experience and maybe the connections to get it right the first time. It’s hard to tell if your past permits can improve your chances now; definitely wouldn’t hurt to mention it in my opinion.
Hi I applied for work permit in Berlin on 1st October 2018 waiting for labour office approval.
Iam from India I came on job seeker visa. I got offer in a German company my package is 34000e per year its been 3weeks I didn’t get any mail or call from employment office.
Should wait for the mail or I can contact them regarding my application process.
Whom should I contact.
Hey Mahi. You can always call your contact person at the Arbeitsagentur. They will able to direct you towards the next logical step. Well done on your job offer !
If I have my Anmeldung registration in Berlin but my job is in Brandemburg (zone C Berlin), where should I do the VISA Application???
Thaks a lot
Hey Angel. Berlin offices are fine.
>If, however, you live in one of the following countries,
This is not correct. You need to be a citizen of one of the countries mentioned. A Mexican citizen residing in the USA cannot come on a tourist visa and apply for the residency permit after arrival in Germany. A Mexican or other non-EU citizen on the list of privileged countries residing in the USA needs to go to the German consulate in the USA and apply for the residency permit there.
Hi MH. Thanks a lot for the correction. The post was amended to be more accurate, i was of course referring to citizenship here.