Germany had approximately 419,000 non-EU residents holding work permits, by the end of 2023. Additionally, around 113,000 individuals were residing in Germany with an EU Blue Card.
If you're planning to work in Germany, you need to obtain a residence permit in the form of a visa, which includes a work permit. To apply, you must have a confirmed job offer and contract.
Skilled workers from non-EU countries need to apply for a visa at the German embassy in their home country before they can enter Germany. One of the key requirements for this visa application is providing a signed employment contract from a German employer. This contract serves as proof that they have secured a job, which is essential for their visa approval.
German work visas allow individuals to work and live in Germany for a set period, ranging from 1 to 5 years. To qualify for a German work permit, you must have a job offer from a registered German employer.
Long-term visas are for stays longer than 90 days. This category includes various types of work permits for those intending to live and work in Germany for extended periods.
A D-Visa for employment allows you to enter Germany and either apply for a residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or engage in work activities while the visa is valid.
To apply for a German work visa from India, follow these steps:
There are two main types of work permits for foreigners in Germany: the work visa and the job seeker visa. To apply for a work visa, you must already have a job offer from a German employer. If you don’t have a job lined up, consider applying for a job seeker visa, which allows you to stay in Germany for six months to look for employment. After securing a job, you can apply for a residence or work permit. Just remember, you need to apply for a residence permit before your six months are up.
Once you find accommodation in Germany, you must register your address at the local Residence Registration office (Bürgeramt). You can search online for “Bürgeramt + your city” to locate your nearest office. Complete the registration form and download a physical copy of your application. On your appointment day, bring the following documents:
The office will issue you residence registration documents, which are necessary for your work residence permit application at the German Immigration Authority (Ausländerbehörde).
Before applying for public health insurance, you will need to obtain private health insurance initially. Research available options to find a suitable plan that aligns with your address registration. After applying, the insurance company will confirm your appointment via email, detailing the time, date, address, and serial number.
After registering your address and securing health insurance, schedule an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde. Different offices serve different areas, so make sure to find the correct location online.
To apply for your residence permit, you will need the following documents:
Note: If you have completed vocational training or a degree outside of Germany, you can apply for a residence permit under Section 18a or Section 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) to work in Germany as a skilled professional.
1. What is a Skilled Worker?
A "skilled worker" in Germany falls into one of two categories:
If you obtained your qualifications outside of Germany, they must be officially recognized within the country. For those with professional training, this means completing a program that is officially acknowledged and lasts at least two years, as per German regulations.
For skilled workers with academic degrees, you need to prove that your university degree is either recognized in Germany or is comparable to a German degree. These skilled workers are eligible to take on roles classified as "qualified employment."
2. What opportunities does a work visa offer?
A work visa provides several opportunities. Initially, residence permits for qualified employment are granted for up to four years. If your job contract is for a shorter time, the residence permit will match the contract's duration, with an extra three months added.
After holding a residence permit for employment for at least three years, you might qualify for a settlement permit, which grants permanent residency in Germany. For more details, refer to the "Living permanently in Germany" section.
To apply for the German Job Seeker permit, follow these steps:
Complete the job seeker application form diligently. Print and sign it before proceeding.
Get an appointment with the German Embassy or consultate3 in your home country. Note that one must book an appointment in advance.
Gather all necessary documents as per the checklist. Ensure they are in either English or German.
On the day of your appointment, arrive at the German embassy on time. Have all required documents ready and pay the applicable fees.
Provide the application along with the necessary documents during your German embassy appointment.
|
Document |
Details |
|
Application Forms |
Two fully completed forms, printed and signed at the end. |
|
Passport Photographs |
Two passport photos that meet strict requirements. |
|
Valid Passport |
A valid national passport |
|
Proof of Residence |
Driver’s license and/or utility bill showing your name and address within the consulate’s jurisdiction. |
|
Health Insurance |
Certificate from German employer, valid from the start of employment. Separate travel insurance is required for the period from arrival in Germany until employment begins if not covered. |
|
Employment Contract / Job Offer |
Contract or binding job offer, including gross annual salary and detailed job description in Germany. |
|
Federal Employment Agency Approval |
Approval from the Federal Employment Agency, if applicable. |
|
Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
Updated CV detailing academic qualifications and job experience. |
|
Proof of Qualification |
Diplomas, certificates, transcripts, or other documents proving qualifications. |
|
Personal Cover Letter |
A cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your stay in Germany. |
|
Clean Criminal Record |
Proof of no criminal record. |
|
Paid Visa Fee |
Proof of payment for the visa fee (€75 for a long-stay visa). |
|
Declaration of Accuracy of Information |
A signed declaration confirming the accuracy of the information provided. |
To successfully apply for a work visa for Germany, you need to fulfill several essential criteria:
The cost for German work Visa for Indians is given hereunder:
|
Visa Category |
Visa Fee (EUROS) Adult |
Visa Fee (EUROS) Child |
Visa Fee (INR) Adult |
Visa Fee (INR) Child |
|
Long Term – National Visas (More than 90 days) |
€75.68 |
€75.68 (Above 12 Years) |
INR 6,800 |
INR 6,800 (Above 12 Years) |
|
Fee Type |
Amount (INR) |
|
VFS Service Fee |
INR 912 |
|
D-Visa Logistic Fee |
INR 1,265 |
|
Value Added Services (Optional): |
|
|
Courier Service |
INR 611 |
|
Courier Assurance Service |
INR 1,031 |
|
SMS Service |
INR 131 |
|
Premium Lounge |
INR 2,750 |
|
Internet Kiosk |
INR 207 |
|
Photocopy |
INR 6 |
|
Photograph |
INR 25 |
Payment Methods:
Important Notes:
Germany has significantly reduced the processing time for long-term visas for skilled Indian workers, cutting it down from nine months to just two weeks, according to Schengen News.
Germany's Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, emphasized the urgent need for skilled workers in the country, which led to this expedited process for Indian applicants.
Once you obtain your German Work Visa, you are permitted to travel to Germany. However, there are important steps to complete upon your arrival to secure a German residence permit.
First, visit the Foreigner’s Office (Ausländerbehörde) nearest to your residence. Some offices require you to schedule an appointment in advance, while others accept walk-in applications.
During your visit, you will need to attend an interview and provide the necessary documents for your residence permit. These documents include:
The validity of your residence permit will correspond to the duration of your employment contract. For example, if your contract is for two years, your permit will also be valid for two years. You can extend the permit as needed, provided you maintain your employment status.
When considering a move to Germany for career opportunities, obtaining a work visa is essential. This official authorization, granted by the German Immigration Authority (Ausländerbehörde), permits individuals to engage in employment within the country. The work permit outlines the duration of stay and work eligibility, aligning with the terms specified in the applicant's job contract.
It serves as a crucial legal requirement for foreigners seeking to build their professional lives in Germany.
Here are the tips to find a job in Germany:
Kansas Overseas Careers, as an immigration consultancy firm, can assist with the German work visa process in several ways:
No, you cannot work in Germany without a valid work visa or residence permit. Working without proper authorization can lead to legal consequences and potential deportation.
The job seeker visa is relatively accessible for qualified professionals, but finding a job can be challenging. It depends on your qualifications, experience, and the demand for your skills in the German job market. Proactive job searching and networking can improve your chances.
Success rates vary widely based on industry, qualifications, and job market conditions. Generally, the job seeker visa is effective for those with in-demand skills, but exact success rates are not publicly available and can differ among sectors.
On a standard work visa, you cannot start a business. If you wish to start a business, you need a separate visa for self-employment or entrepreneurial activities, such as the Freelance Visa or Business Visa.
To extend a job seeker visa, you must apply for an extension before the current visa expires, demonstrating ongoing efforts to find employment. To convert it to a work visa, you must secure a job offer and meet the requirements for the specific work visa type.
Germany offers opportunities across various sectors, including engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Work visa holders can apply for jobs in their field of expertise, and the German job market generally welcomes skilled professionals.
The processing time for a German work visa can vary, but it generally takes 2 to 12 weeks after the interview, depending on factors like the visa type, completeness of the application, and the current workload of the consulate.
To apply for permanent residency, you must possess a valid passport, demonstrate B1-level proficiency in the German language, maintain health insurance coverage, have no criminal record, earn sufficient income, etc.
Changing jobs on a work visa usually requires notification to the immigration authorities. You must ensure that your new employment meets the visa requirements, and you may need to update your residence permit if the job change affects your visa status.
No, it would help if you generally had a job offer or a valid employment contract to obtain a work visa. Specific visa categories, like the job seeker visa, allow you to search for a job in Germany without immediate employment.
The main requirements include having a valid job offer from a German employer, proof of qualifications, a valid passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and in some cases, approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
Working part-time is generally permitted if it aligns with the conditions of your visa. For most work visas, your employment must match the job specified in your visa application, whether full-time or part-time.
Eligibility criteria include having a recognized university degree or vocational qualification, sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, health insurance, and a valid passport.
Processing times vary but generally range from 2 to 12 weeks. Factors affecting processing time include the visa type, the application's completeness, and the consulate's workload.
Yes, you can bring your family with you. They would need to apply for a family reunification visa, which allows spouses and children to join you in Germany, subject to certain conditions and documentation.
Kansas Overseas Careers Pvt Ltd is NOT a RECRUITMENT / PLACEMENT AGENCY, we neither assist in any kind of Job / employment offers nor do guarantee any kind of domestic/International placements.
