HOW TO GET A WORK VISA TO GERMANY
Germany is rightly considered one of the most successful and stable countries in the world. This fact is confirmed by the scale of economic development and the standard of living of German citizens. The country is called a kind of "Hegemon" of the European Union, on which depends the solution of many global political problems and even the future of some states.
The German authorities value their dominant position very much and understand perfectly well that the well-being of the country includes, first of all, economic growth and social security of the population. Ensuring maximum employment of local residents is the main task. By the way, unemployment in Germany in 2024 will not exceed 5-6%. This is an excellent indicator.
Work in Germany attracts a huge number of foreigners from different parts of the world – from the United States to China. Competition for jobs increases every year. This forces the local government to introduce restrictive measures and more closely monitor the recruitment of applicants from abroad, especially from so-called third countries.
One of the main conditions for official employment on German territory is to obtain a work visa to Germany. This is a mandatory requirement for citizens of most countries planning to conduct long-term labor activity (more than 3 months). Further, we will learn how to obtain a work visa to Germany for a foreigner in 2024.
CONTENTS
Registration of a work visa to Germany
For a general understanding of the process of obtaining a work visa to Germany, let us designate a list of countries whose citizens do not need to execute this document for employment in German companies. First of all, we are talking about the EU, EEA countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland) and Switzerland.
Citizens of Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the United States have the opportunity to come to Germany without a visa in advance and after finding a vacancy to obtain a residence permit with the right to work. All other foreigners for labor migration to Germany need to apply for a work visa in advance (before moving) at the German Consulate in their country.
Exception. Graduates of German universities or foreign universities, whose diplomas are recognized in Germany, have the right to enter the country (on a special visa) to seek employment for up to 6 months. In order to do so, you need to provide proof of financial security to cover your living expenses. Until a contract is concluded, a work permit is obtained and a work visa is opened, it is forbidden to carry out any employment or business activities in Germany.
Procedure for obtaining a work visa to Germany
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The applicant finds an open position and contacts a German company.
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The applicant is interviewed and approved for the position.
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The working conditions are agreed upon and the employment contract is signed.
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The employer sends information about the new employee from abroad to the local Federal Employment Agency and the Immigration Office.
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The agencies review the application, request additional information if necessary, and make a decision to grant (deny) a work permit to the foreign specialist.
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In case of a positive decision, the applicant prepares and submits a list of documents (see below) to the German diplomatic mission in his/her country to obtain a work visa.
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The issued document entitles the applicant to move, work and obtain a residence permit in Germany.
Documents for a work visa to Germany
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A passport with at least 2 blank pages, issued within the last 10 years and whose validity period exceeds the expected period of stay in Germany by 3 months or more.
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Two completed visa application forms.
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Two color photos of the established sample. Photos must meet quality standards - contrast, clarity and size. The face should occupy from 70 to 80% of the photo area.
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A copy of the employment contract or an official letter from the employer, guaranteeing the employment of the foreigner.
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Certificate of absence of a criminal record.
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Medical insurance.
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Visa fee payment receipt. The standard cost of a work visa to Germany is 60 euros.
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At least two copies of all the above documents.
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Copies of diplomas (certificates) confirming qualifications.
All documentation must be submitted in person to the German Consulate in the country of residence. The processing time of an application for a work visa to Germany may take from 6 to 12 weeks. Usually the visa is issued for 1-2 years with the right of extension. After moving within 7 days you should visit the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in your place of residence and apply to the immigration service (Ausländeramt) for a residence permit.
Conditions and ways of obtaining a work visa to Germany
Having familiarized yourself with the formal procedure for obtaining a work visa and the list of required documents, it may seem that it is not very difficult to go to work in Germany. This is far from being the case. According to the official data of German agencies, no more than 50-60 thousand work permits are issued to foreigners annually. Considering the country's 80 million inhabitants, this is very little.
Unqualified foreign specialists are practically not needed in Germany. These niches are filled by foreigners from less successful EU countries who, unlike applicants from third countries, do not need a work permit. It is much easier for foreign applicants with a high level of qualification, experience and a profession that is scarce for the German labor market to obtain a work visa in Germany. As a rule, 2 important conditions must be met:
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There are no applicants for the vacancy among Germans and EU / EEA / Swiss nationals.
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Working conditions and salary level meet (or exceed) German standards.
Types of work visas (work permits) to Germany
EU Blue Card to Germany
To obtain an EU Blue Card in 2024, a foreigner must have a higher education recognized in Germany and an employment contract with a German employer. At the same time, the salary level cannot be less than 45.3 thousand euros per year (3.8 thousand euros per month). For especially valuable workers in Germany – scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and IT-specialists, a minimum income of 41 thousand euros per year (3.4 thousand euros per month) is allowed.
General employment
The most common type of work visa to Germany. It is issued to foreign workers who are needed by the German economy. The foreign applicant is required to have an employment contract and proof of professional qualifications for a specific type of work. Higher education is optional. The main difficulty in obtaining it is the shortage of vacancies and high competition.
Highly qualified specialist
A work visa is issued to a foreigner with special training and unique skills, who is offered a contract to work in Germany with a salary of at least 86.4 thousand euros per year.
Reasons for refusal of a work visa to Germany
Most often a work visa to Germany is denied for 2 reasons:
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Insufficient experience or lack of desire of the German employer to competently draw up a work permit for a foreign specialist.
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Gross mistakes of the applicant at the time of applying for a work visa or attempts to forge the required documents.
If initially everything is done correctly and legally, there will be no problems with the issuance of a work visa to Germany.
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