Germany Work Visas

Your Central Source for Information on Work Visas in Germany

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Applying for a Work Visa in Germany

There are four types of work visas in Germany. Each type has its own requirements, costs, and steps to approval.
It can be tricky to determine which work visa best suits your situation and needs.

An IBN immigration Solutions consultant will assess your case to determine if you qualify for any of the German work visas and then help you complete the application process. Simplifying each step as much as possible so that you always understand the requirements and how to meet them.

Apply for a Work Visa in Germany – contact our immigration specialists today

German EU Blue Card

Qualified Professionals Work Visa

IT Professionals, Specialists, and Others

German EU Blue Card

EU Blue Card visas apply to European Union (EU) residents. They are the most straightforward of Germany’s work visas and are preferred over other, more complex types. Two benefits stand out above the others; exemption from the German language requirement for your spouse or partner and a fast track to permanent residence.

Three of the qualifying criteria are as follows:

You need a job offer with a minimum gross annual salary of minimum €45,300 (as of 2024). In some instances, a lower salary may be acceptable. One of our immigration specialists will help you determine if the lower salary applies to you.
You must have a university degree that is equivalent to a German bachelor’s degree. The position must be appropriate to your qualification and skills level.
You must stay with the same employer for at least two years. You must have approval from the foreigner’s authority if you want to change your employer sooner than that. The change must still be within the blue card’s requirements and conditions.

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Qualified Professionals Work Visa

In Germany, a qualified professional’s work visa is an alternative to an EU Blue Card. You must have a recognised university degree or recognised vocational training. The introduction of this category is a result of the new immigration law from March 2022 designed to increase opportunities for skilled workers to immigrate to Germany.

One of the benefits of this German work visa is that it helps South Africans with a National Diploma or whose salaries don’t meet the minimum required by the EU Blue Card.

Three of the qualifying criteria are as follows:

You must have a job offer in a field relevant to your qualifications.
You must have a recognised university degree or qualifications comparable to qualified vocational training in Germany.
The minimum salary requirements usually fall away.

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IT Professionals, Specialists, and Others

If you are an IT professional or a specialist in a particular field, you may be eligible for a work permit in Germany. Your employment category must be pre-approved by the German Federal Employment Agency. Types considered include IT professionals and other specialists who don’t require recognised or formal qualifications.

The following three requirements apply to IT professionals:

A job offer with a minimum gross annual salary of €54,360 (as of 2024).
At least three years of professional IT experience within the past seven years.
Shown proof of German language skills at level B1, unless the language at work is not German.

Qualification requirements for specialists:

Recognition as a specialist depends on job level, practical and professional experience, background, and salary.

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German Work Visa Costs

The costs for the types of German work visas vary. Your immigration consultant can give you details about the fees that accompany your permit.

Our IBN immigration specialists aim to give you the most accurate cost estimate possible. They thoroughly calculate fees and sundry costs, for example, obtaining a new passport, so you know exactly what to expect and can budget accordingly.

How to Apply for the German Work Visas

General Steps for Applying for a German Work Visa

Here’s a breakdown of the general steps for applying for a German work visa, combining the information from the different categories:

Job Offer and Qualification Recognition:

Secure a job offer in Germany.
Ensure your qualifications are recognized by German authorities.

Pre-approval (Optional but Recommended):

In some cases, your employer might need pre-approval from the German Federal Employment Agency.

Application Preparation:

Gather all required documents and forms with the help of a consultant (if needed).

Visa Application Submission:

Submit your application through the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Family members can apply for immigration at the same time.

Temporary Visa and Move to Germany:

You’ll receive a temporary visa allowing you three months to enter Germany.
Register your residence at your local town hall upon arrival.

Final Residence and Work Permit:

An immigration consultant or partner can help schedule an appointment for your final residence and work permit application at the local foreigner’s authority.

Permit Approval and Electronic Residence Card:

You’ll likely receive approval for your permit at the appointment.
Expect to receive your electronic residence card within four weeks.

Note:

Specific requirements and documents may vary depending on the work visa or permit type(EU Blue Card, Qualified Professionals, etc.).
German language proficiency might be required for you, your spouse or dependents in some cases.

Informative Reading on the German Work Visas:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Qualified Professional permit valid?

The permit is valid for the duration of your employment contract for up to four years. It’s renewable.

You can apply for permanent residency after 48 months.

How long is the Intra Company Transfer visa valid?

The Intra Company Transfer is valid for up to three years. You can’t convert it into a different work permit category while you’re in Germany.

You must return to your home country or country of residence to submit a new German work visa application.

Note: There is at least a six-month cooling-off period.

How long is an EU Blue Card valid?

The card is valid for the duration of your employment contract for up to four years. It is renewable.

You can apply for a permanent residence permit when you’ve been in Germany for 33 months, provided your German language skills are at level A1.

If your language skills are at level B1, you can apply for permanent residence after just 21 months.

Latest Articles - German Work Visas

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Germany is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, estimated at around two million people. To tackle the skilled worker shortage, Germany plans to reform its immigration laws and attract 400 000 foreigners annually.

Germany is Embracing Immigration: New Options on the Horizon in 2023

The German government has recently (on the 30th of November 2022) adopted the key points for changes to the German Residence Act, with the view of introducing the law for these changes in the beginning of 2023. The aim of the amendments will be to make the process of obtaining a visa for Germany and residence permit for Germany easier and more efficient.

Workshops with Government Officials

In the month of September, we had the benefit of attending two important workshops with government officials. Both sessions provided important insights from first-hand sources.