Germany is a land of opportunity for not just Germans but also citizens of third-world nations. With the fourth largest economy in the world, and world-renowned companies and firms, Germany offers several non-Germans the chance to gain employment and settle in the nation. Consequently, German immigration for employment is increasing year after year.
The German Work/Employment Visa allows eligible overseas nationals to work and live in Germany for up to 2 years, with the possibility of extending their Visa. Afterward, Visa holders can apply for an EU Blue Card or other types of Residence Permits.
Types of Long-Stay Visas for Working in Germany
You can apply for the following for Long-Stay Germany Visa for working in Germany:
- Employment – If you already possess an offer of a job in Germany Self-Employment – If you wish to work as a freelancer in Germany or establish a business.
- Germany Job Seeker Visa – If you intend to stay in Germany for searching/seek a job
- To work as Au Pair – For youth who intend to learn more about the German language and culture.
- Working Holiday Visa – For youth from several nations that have a pact for Working Holiday Visa with Germany
Who requires a Germany Work/Employment Visa?
Nationals of the following nations can file an application for Residence Permit for work purposes after arriving in Germany with no Visa.
- EEA/EU member states
- Australia
- The United States of America
- Canada
- Japan
- Israel
- New Zealand
- The Republic of Korea
- Switzerland
Nationals from remaining third-world nations must get a Germany Work Visa before they arrive in Germany.
We have outlined the various processes to be followed, including the required documents for obtaining the Germany Work Visa.
Categories qualified to file an Application for a Germany Work Visa.
The “Act on the Residence” governs the residence of overseas nationals in Germany. Overseas nationals can apply for a Germany Work Visa if they meet the criteria for working in Germany. The streams that are qualified for applying for a Germany Work Visa are as follows:
Highly qualified overseas nationals, specifically:
- Researchers having special technical knowledge
- Teaching staff in outstanding positions or
- Scientific staff is outstanding positions
Intra-company transferees, specifically:
- Specialists
- Managers
Additionally, qualified third-world nation citizens having a non-academic vocational qualification or a University degree are encouraged to apply for a Germany Work Visa if they fulfill the following criteria:
- A scarcity of skilled workers exists in the profession you want to practice in Germany.
- You possess an authentic offer of a job.
- Your educational credentials are considered on par with a Degree in Germany.
How to Apply for a German Work Visa?
The process of applying for a Germany Work/Employment Visa is as follows:
- Obtain an offer of a job in Germany
- Confirm if you require Germany Visa to stay long in Germany
- Confirm the authority/location where you have to apply for Visa
- Collate all the essential documents as per the official specifications
- Book an interview appointment for the Visa
- Make a payment of the fee for the Germany Work Visa.
- Appear for the interview
- Await the result of your Visa application
Documents Required for a Germany Work Visa
You will need to submit several documents to the German Consulate/Embassy in your home country to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for a Work Visa. These documents are an essential part of your application and the interview.
Ensure that you collate/arrange the following documents as per the specified instructions:
- Two filled applications, take a printout and provide your signature.
- 2 Photographs of passport size, ensure compliance with stringent specifications
- Authentic Passport of your nationality
- Evidence of Residence – Your utility bill and Driving License in your name are the evidence of your residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate where you intend to apply.
- Insurance of Health
- The employer offers a mandatory certificate in Germany, and its validity must commence from the date of employment. Separate travel insurance must be offered for the period from arrival in Germany till the commencement of employment if it still needs to be included in the mandatory health insurance.
- A binding offer of job/employment contract specifying information on gross yearly remuneration and an exhaustive description of employment in Germany
- If applicable, approval from the Federal Agency for Employment.
- Your latest resume that outlines your educational credentials and professional work experience
- Evidence of qualification – Marks sheets, Certificates, Diplomas, etc., or similar records that demonstrate your qualifications
- Personal Covering Letter that explains the definite purpose and period of stay
- Evidence of nil record for crimes
- Evidence of payment of Visa fees
- Declaration of accurateness of the information provided
Where to apply for a Germany Work Visa?
The application for a Germany Employment/Work Visa has to be filed at the representative agency of Germany responsible for Visa approval in your nation of residence. It can be any one of the following:
- The Embassy Germany
- The Consulate of Germany
- A-VAC – Visa Application Center
- In case of the absence of German representative agencies in your nation of residence, it will be situated in a neighboring nation.
- The Consulate/Embassy of another nation situated in your nation of residence to which Germany has outsourced Visa admission
Germany Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Long-stay Germany Work Visa can range from 1 to 3 months from the date of application. This timeframe can vary based on the number of applications the German Embassy is currently processing and your specific circumstances.
Arriving on a Germany Work Visa
You can arrive in Germany with a Work visa, but you will still need to follow some procedures to get a German Residence Permit.
You will need to visit the Office for Foreigners in Germany closest to your residence. Some of these offices accept walk-in applications, but some require you to book an appointment for an interview. You will need to appear for an interview and provide the necessary documents for the German Residence Permit. The required documents are as follows:
- Your authentic Passport of nationality
- Residence Permit application form
- 2 Photographs
- Report of nil criminal record
- Evidence of German language proficiency
- Confirmation of Health Insurance
- Evidence of job offer
The length of time you can have a Residence Permit is based on your employment contract. If your contract is for two years, your Permit will also be valid for two years. However, you can extend your Permit as often as needed as long as you maintain your employment status.
Tips on finding a Job in Germany
There are several tips overseas nationals can follow to find a job in Germany. Having professional credentials makes it easy to find an appropriate job. Here are some valuable tips:
Search jobs online
You must seek jobs on recruitment websites in Germany. Innumerable online platforms advertise jobs for both Germans and overseas nationals. You can confirm the job offers there to find any suitable job openings.
Apply for the job
You must send the job application after finding a suitable job. Usually, the majority of the firms will seek the following documents from you:
- Your CV
- Copies of educational credentials
- Testimonials from employer
- Your work samples
Appear for the Job interview
Many firms will allow you to interview digitally through Skype, but a few also have rules specifying that applicants must appear in person. In this case, you will need to file an application for a Job Seeker Visa and appear for the interview. If you are offered the job, you must apply for a Germany Work Visa.
However, there are other ways to get a job in Germany. You can apply for a Germany Job Seeker Visa and then look for jobs when you arrive in the country. You can also use job search services from experts, like immigration consultants. They can help you with your visa application.is
