Germany: Visa options and requirements

Germany offers a range of visa options for individuals seeking to work, study, or join family members. Understanding these options helps employers, HR and mobility professionals manage international moves more efficiently. This guide provides an overview of the main visa types in Germany and their requirements.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is designed for highly qualified non-EU nationals that want to work in Germany. To qualify, applicants need to have a recognized university degree or IT background and a job offer that meets specific salary requirements.

Requirements:

• Degree: A German university degree or a foreign degree recognized in Germany.
• Job Offer: A binding employment contract or job offer related to the degree.
• Salary Threshold: A minimum gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (as of 2024). For shortage occupations, a lower salary of €41,041.80 (as of 2024) may apply if approved by the Federal Employment Agency. The same applies for new entrants to the labour market: foreigners who have completed their university studies within the last three years can obtain an EU Blue Card if their job in Germany pays at least €41,041.80 (45.3% of the annual pension insurance ceiling for 2024).

Notable Occupations in Shortage:

• Manufacturing, mining, construction, and distribution managers
• ICT service managers
• Professional services managers (e.g., childcare, health, education)
• Medical professionals (doctors, veterinarians, dentists, pharmacists)
• STEM/MINT professionals (professionals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
• Teachers and educators

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EU Blue Card for IT Professionals: IT professionals without formal qualifications can obtain an EU Blue Card if they have a job offer in Germany, a minimum gross salary of €41,041.80, and at least three years of relevant experience.

The advantages of the EU Blue Card:

• Faster processing and recognition
• Path to settlement permit after 27 months with an A1 German language level (or 21 months if the applicant has a B1 German language level)
• Relatively straightforward transition to a Blue Card in any other EU country
• Simplified process when changing employers for Blue Card holders with a recognized degree
• Easier reunification with family members
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Work Visa for Qualified Professionals

This visa is for those who have completed vocational training or higher education outside Germany and want to work in qualified occupations not related to their field of studies within the country.

Requirements:

• Qualification: The foreign qualification must be recognized in Germany or considered equivalent to a German degree. For regulated professions (e.g., healthcare), a license to practice is required. 

• Job Offer: Applicants need to have a concrete job offer from a German employer. The job must be considered qualified employment, which generally requires a degree or equivalent vocational training.
• Employment Duration: Residence permits are usually issued for two to four years. 

For applicants over 45 the employer must offer a gross annual salary of at least €49,830 (as of 2024) or proof of sufficient pension provisions.
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Visa for Professionally Experienced Workers

For experienced professionals with a vocational qualification or higher education degree not fulfilling the requirements of formal recognition in Germany.

Requirements:

• Qualification: Vocational qualification or higher education degree with at least two years of training.
• Experience: At least two years of relevant professional experience within the last five years that must be related to the profession the applicant wants to pursue in Germany.
• Job Offer: A job offer in a non-regulated profession with a gross annual salary of at least €40,770 (or €49,830 for individuals over 45).
• Approval: Employment must be approved by the Federal Employment Agency, that will assess whether conditions of employment like salary and working hours correspond to those of domestic employees.
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Visa for Employment Within a Recognition Partnership

This visa allows individuals to work in Germany while completing the recognition process for their qualifications.

Requirements:

• Qualification: A higher education degree or vocational qualification from another country. The qualification must be recognized by the home country’s government.
• Job Offer: A concrete job offer from a German employer. The employment must be qualified, and if working in regulated professions, a temporary role as an assistant is permitted until full recognition is achieved.
• Recognition Partnership Agreement: A written agreement with the employer that the recognition procedure will be completed during employment. This agreement may be included in the employment contract.
• Language Proficiency: German language skills at level A2 or higher.
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Visa for Vocational Training

This visa allows applicants to pursue vocational training in Germany, either through a school-based or in-company program.

Requirements:

• Training Place: Proof of a confirmed training position in Germany, either through a school-based or in-company program.
• Language Proficiency: German language skills at level B1 are typically required unless the training institution has tested language skills or a preparatory course is completed.
• Financial Means: Evidence of financial ability to cover living expenses, with a minimum requirement of €903 per month as of 2024. For school-based training, a blocked bank account or declaration of commitment is needed, while in-company training allowances can be used as proof.
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Student Visa

The Student Visa allows individuals to stay in Germany for educational purposes. It’s initially issued for up to two years, with the possibility of extension. During their studies, applicants can take part-time student jobs and work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or up to 20 hours per week.

Requirements:

• Admission: Acceptance into a state-recognized higher education institution in Germany is required.
• Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds through a blocked bank account (minimum of €11,208 per year as of 2024), a scholarship, or a declaration of commitment.
• Language Proficiency: Some programs may require German language skills at level B2.

Post-Graduation Options:

• Job-Seeker Residence Permit: After graduation, individuals can apply for a residence permit to search for employment. This permit allows for up to 18 months to find a suitable job. If a job is secured and all requirements are met, the permit can be converted into a work residence permit.
• Work Residence Permit: If a job offer is secured upon graduation, the student permit can be directly switched to a work permit. The work permit is issued for two years with potential for extension and can also cover freelance work if the requirements are met.
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Other Visas

Temporary Work Visas:

• Best Friend Assignment Permit: For employees who are nationals of countries such as the United States, Canada or Japan, assigned to Germany by their company under special agreements.
• ICT Card: For intra-corporate transfers within multinational companies.
• Staff Exchange: For employees participating in exchange programs between companies.
• Installation Visa: For workers involved in installation projects

Family Reunion Visas:

• Family Reunion for Spouse and Children: Allows family members of legal residents or citizens (ie. third-country nationals) to join them in Germany.
• Spouse of German Citizen: Simplified provisions for spouses of German citizens to join them in Germany.
• Child of German Citizen: For children of German citizens to reunite with their parents.
• Family member of EU citizen: Allows family members of EU citizens to join them in Germany.

Permanent Residence Permits: These are open-ended residence permits that allow third-country nationals to obtain long-term resident status, either in Germany or in the countries of the European Union.

• German Settlement Permit: allows third-country nationals to stay in Germany on a permanent basis, as long as they have paid compulsory or voluntary contributions to the statutory pension insurance scheme for at least 36 months. Facilitated conditions are given to certain groups of people - for instance EU Blue Card holders can apply after 21 months of having paid into the statutory pension insurance scheme if they can demonstrate knowledge of German at level B1 CEFR, or after 27 months with an A1 German language knowledge.
  Holders are allowed to live in Germany and take up employment without restrictions.
• Unlimited Residence Permit EU: comparable to the settlement permit, allows migration and facilitated conditions for a residence permit in almost every EU country.

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This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. The appropriate visa or permit for an individual will be determined based on their specific circumstances and eligibility criteria. 

Jobbatical provides expert assistance and end-to-end support with visa applications and relocation in Germany. Our team handles all the details, ensuring a smooth transition for both employers and employees. Learn more about our services and how we can assist with your relocation needs here. 

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