German Employment Visa 2024 (Residence Permit for Work)

The German employment visa, also known as a Residence Permit for Qualified professionals, allows non-EU citizens to enter and work in Germany based on a job offer from the German employer. It is a long-stay visa that gives the holder the chance to enter and work in Germany for up to two years. It also gives you the possibility of renewing your work visa, and later on, you can apply for a permanent settlement in Germany.

This step-by-step guide shows you how to obtain a German work visa for qualified professionals. A residence permit is required on which you can stay in Germany legally and you can get that permit once you arrive in Germany. If you have completed qualified vocational training or a course of study outside Germany, you can obtain a residence permit. If you do not have a Job offer from Germany you can apply for the Germany Job Seeker Visa.

Who Does Not Need a German Visa?

• Citizens of the following countries can apply for their residence permit for work purposes after entering Germany without a visa.
  • EEA/EU member states the United States of America
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • the Republic of Korea
• Nationals of all other countries will apply for a Visa to enter and work in Germany.

Also Check: HZB International Summer Student Program 2024, Germany (Fully Funded)

Types of Long Stays Employment Visas

• Employment Visa: If you already have a job offer in Germany.
• Self-Employment: If you wish to establish a business in Germany or to work as a freelancer.

German Language Requirements

According to the Residence Act (AufenthG). No specific German language level is required For the German Employment Visa.

Requirements of an Employment Visa

Before applying for the visa you must have fulfil these conditions. Otherwise, your application will not be considered.

• Get a job offer in Germany. A job offer from a German employer is a must.
• Equivalence or comparability of the foreign academic or vocational qualification. The procedure is also called “equivalence assessment”. Check how German recognition works.
• For people over the age of 45: Annual gross salary of at least EUR 48,180 (as of 2023) or provide proof of adequate provision for retirement.

Also Check: HZDR Summer Student Program 2024, Germany (Funded)

Make an Appointment at the German Embassy

If you have completed all the requirements and the documents now it’s time to make an appointment at the German embassy or VFS.

The list of necessary documents can generally be found on the website of the German embassy or the German consulate in your country of residence.

To find out which German embassy or consulate you will have to contact regarding your visa application, see World Map.

Applying for a Long Term (D) Visa in your country of residence

• Fill out the Visa application form. Collect the documents that have been asked in the application form.
• Submit your visa application to your local German Embassy in your country of residence. If you are going for work purposes, you should apply for a long-term (national) visa (category “D”)
• Submit it at the embassy.

Visa Cost

For all types of visas issued for long-term stays in Germany, an entry visa fee of €75.00 will be charged. You have to pay the fee in your local currency at the German embassy or German consulate in your country of residence.

Also Check: DESY Summer Student Program 2024, Germany (Fully Funded)

After Arrival in Germany

Since you have been granted a work visa and you are coming to stay in Germany for the long term it is safe to bring all your documents with you, such as your birth certificate, documents regarding your post-secondary school or vocational qualifications, your driver’s license, or your marriage certificate.

Apply for the Residence Permit

You have to apply for a residence permit. This is a legal document that allows you to stay in Germany for a longer period. You automatically get a residence permit valid for up to four years (may vary based on your job contract).

Residence Permit Cost

Useful Websites

The above site is an official source where you will find more information on German Employment visa, job opportunities in Germany, residence permits, opening a bank account, and everything else.

From 1st June 2024: The German Government will also accept applications for the Germany Opportunity Card for third-country nationals to look for employment in Germany for up to one year.

Germany is going through the worst labor shortage. So this is the best time to apply. In 2022, Germany granted 393,083 national visas (longer stays & employment).