Immigration

How to Get a German Work Visa?

Germany is a land of opportunities not only for Germans but also for citizens of third-world countries.

The nation of invention and innovation is the world’s fourth-biggest economy and home to well-known corporations and enterprises.

As a result, it provides many non-Germans with the opportunity to find work and reside in the nation. And to work in Germany, you will require a Germany Employment Visa.

In this article, we will discuss Germany’s Employment visa and how to acquire one.

What is a German work Visa?

A German work visa is a Schengen visa that allows its bearer to enter and stay in Germany for the duration of its validity.

It permits those who travel to Germany on legitimate business visas to enter the country.

The Germany Employment Visa provides competent foreigners with the chance to settle in Germany and work in their field.

It allows its user to enter and work in Germany for up to two years, with the option of extending the visa and applying for an EU Blue Card or other forms of residence permits afterward.

The Germany Employment Visa allows eligible foreigners to live and work in Germany.

It allows its user to enter and work in Germany for up to two years, with the option of extending the visa and applying for an EU Blue Card or other forms of residence permit.

Types of German work visa

Before learning how to apply for a work permit in Germany, it is crucial to grasp the various German work visas accessible to foreign citizens.

1. Permits for university graduates:

If you are a foreign graduate from another country with a recognized university degree and enough finances to sustain yourself during your stay, you can travel to Germany on a six-month residence permission to hunt for employment, known as a jobseeker’s visa.

2. EU Blue Cards:

To apply for an EU Blue Card in Germany, you must have a university degree from a German institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign university, and guaranteed employment in Germany.

Applicants for this visa may stay in Germany for the term of their job contract, up to a maximum of four years.

You can also get permanent residency after 33 months, and family members can travel to Germany to work immediately without restrictions or the requirement to demonstrate German language abilities, in addition to receiving all other advantages.

3. Permits for highly skilled employees:

Applicants who meet the criteria for skilled employees can apply for a settlement permit, which allows you and your family to live and work in Germany indefinitely.

If you enter Germany on a normal residence visa, you must stay for at least five years before applying for a settlement permit.

4. Permits for students:

With the agreement of the Federal Employment Agency, the Embassy can offer you a residence permit to travel to Germany for professional or industrial training.

If you are a graduate of a German college in another country, they may offer you the same visa without the Agency’s permission.

5. Permits for self-employed/freelancers:

If you wish to come to Germany to start a business, you can apply for a self-employed business residence permit.

It is valid for three years and can be extended if the firm succeeds.

You must have a realistic business strategy, relevant experience and demonstrate how your company can contribute to German innovation and research.

6. Permits for scientific researchers:

If you want to come to Germany as a researcher, you must have a ‘host’ agreement with a research institute recognized by BAMF, which confirms the details of the research that you will be conducting, as well as that you are properly qualified and financially secure.

Researchers’ residence permits are valid for at least one year, or for the duration of the research, whichever is shorter.

Countries who Need a Germany Employment Visa

Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for a work permit 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

Where to Apply for a Germany Work Visa?

You must apply for a German Employment visa through the German representative organization in your country of residency, which is in charge of visa entry.

One of the following might be the case.

The embassy of Germany

A consulate in Germany

A Visa Processing Center

In the absence of German representation in your country of residence, contact the German embassy/consulate in a nearby country.

The embassy/consulate of another nation in your place of residence, to which Germany has delegated visa entry.

Processing Time for Germany Work Visa

A long-stay work visa in Germany may take one to three months to process from the date of application.

The processing period is also determined by the number of applications received by the embassy at the time, as well as your specific circumstances.

How to apply for German Work Visa?

The procedure of applying for a visa is frequently perplexing.

You require a variety of items at the same time, all of which are interdependent.

Step 1: Come to Germany (if possible)

You can apply for a work visa in your home country or Germany.

It is less expensive to apply in your nation.

If you apply in Germany, you will have an easier time finding a job, finding an apartment, and getting health insurance.

If you are an Australian, Israeli, Japanese, Canadian, South Korean, New Zealand, or US citizen, you can travel to Germany, look for employment, and then apply for a work visa in Germany.

Without a visa, you can stay in Germany for up to 90 days.

You cannot work until you have obtained a work visa, but you may hunt for jobs and prepare for your visa interview.

If you are a citizen of another country, you have two options for obtaining a German work visa:

  • You can apply for a work visa at the German embassy in your home country.
  • Your documents will be reviewed in Germany. After around four months, you will be issued a visa.
  • Alternatively, you may apply for a Job Seeker Visa at a German embassy in your own country.
  • The Job Seeker Visa enables you to visit Germany and hunt for work.
  • You will not be able to work in Germany if you have a Job Seeker Visa.
  • You can apply for a work visa in Germany once you have found a job.
  • The job seeker visa is valid for a period of up to six months. It is not possible with a tourist visa.
  • If you enter the country on a tourist visa, your work visa application will be denied.
  • If at all possible, begin looking for an apartment as soon as feasible.
  • Finding an apartment may be time-consuming.
  • You cannot apply for a work visa if you do not have a registered address in Germany.
  • If you have a work offer, it will be easier to find an apartment.

Step 2: Find a job in Germany

You must have a job offer in order to apply for a work visa.  It’s preferable if you can obtain work before going to Germany.

When you have a work offer, it is simpler to find an apartment. When you find a job, your company will want several items from you, including a German address, health insurance, a bank account, and a social insurance number.

Don’t worry; you’ll acquire everything you need soon.

Step 3: Fill out an application for a work visa at the German consulate in your country.

Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, or the United States may bypass this phase by entering Germany on a tourist visa and then applying for a work visa at the Foreign Office.

Citizens of other countries must get a visa to visit Germany, although they can apply for a work visa at a German consulate in their home country before coming to Germany.

A job seeker visa can be used to enter Germany and look for work.

Step 4: Open a bank account (optional)

A bank account is required to get pay stubs, pay rent, and obtain health insurance. To register a bank account, you usually require a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung).

You will not receive a registration certificate until you register your address, although some banks may allow you to create an account without one.

You’ll need money in your German bank account to pay your rent deposit (Kaution) and get by until your first paycheque arrives.

Wise (TransferWise) may be used to transfer money from a foreign account to a German one.

Step 5: Find a place to live

Before you travel to your immigration interview, you must find a place to live.

Begin looking for a place to live as soon as feasible. It is really difficult to get an apartment in Berlin. It’s considerably more difficult if you don’t speak German.

When you sign a lease, your landlord is required to provide you with a document known as Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.

This certificate certifies that you are permitted to reside there. You will not be able to obtain a work visa unless you have this document

You can reside in a friend’s flat, but only with permission from the owner. You will not receive a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung unless you obtain authorization from the landlord.

You must demonstrate that you live in Germany during your visa interview.

Step 6: Register your address

You must register your address when you have located an apartment, signed a lease, and obtained your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.

That is known as the Anmeldung. You will receive a registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung) when you register your address.

This paper verifies that you are legally residing at this location. The registration certificate is not required for your visa interview, but it may be required to establish a bank account, obtain health insurance, or obtain a SIM card, among other things.

You will receive your tax ID in the mail two weeks after registering your address. Your tax ID is required by your employer for them to compute your income tax.

If you do not have a tax ID, your employer will deduct additional income tax from your paycheck.

You will only receive that money if you make a tax statement.

Step 7: Get health insurance

To obtain a work visa in Germany, you must have German health insurance. You will not be able to get a work visa unless you can provide proof of health insurance coverage.

A health insurance broker can assist you in selecting the most appropriate health insurance for your requirements.

Their assistance is entirely gratuitous. Health insurance firms compensate them for bringing them, new consumers.

Choose the most expensive insurance only if it is the cheapest.

Step 8: Make your visa appointment

If you apply in Germany

Make an appointment with your nearest Immigration Office. Because appointments are tough to come by, you should do it as soon as possible.

Your appointment in Berlin will almost always be a few weeks later. You may also go without an appointment, although it will be less stressful if you do. Visa consultations are complimentary.

If you apply abroad

Make an appointment with the German embassy or consulate in your area. It might be difficult to get an appointment. You might not obtain an appointment for another 2-3 months.

Step 9: Gather the required documents

Gather all the required documents for a German work visa. Here are all the required documents :

  • A valid passport
  • A copy of your passport’s details page
  • 3 passport size photos based on biometric specifications
  • A cover letter
  • Diploma of your degrees and qualification
  • Your detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Proof of accommodation in Germany
  • Proof of financial support/funds
  • A formal commitment letter from a German sponsor
  • Bank account statement
  • Evidence of your personal status in your native country (such as birth certificate, marriage certificate)
  • Evidence of your health insurance

Step 10: Go to your visa appointment

The visa appointment is brief. It will take about 30 minutes if you have all of the necessary documentation.

Your interview will most likely be conducted in German. Some interviewers are fluent in English, although this is not always the case1.

Bring an interpreter if you don’t speak German. Bring an immigration lawyer or a relocation counselor if you can afford it.

They may evaluate your paperwork to ensure that your interview goes smoothly. Do not be concerned if you are lacking any papers and your existing visa is about to expire.

The interviewer may grant you a temporary residency permit to prolong your present visa. It will allow you to obtain the missing papers and reapply.

At the German embassy or consulate

The procedure is essentially similar in the German consulate.

If you have all of the necessary papers, your interview will be over in a matter of minutes.

Step 11: Receive your work visa

When applying from Germany, it takes 8 to 12 weeks to obtain a work visa. The work visa comes in the form of a sticker in your passport or a plastic card.

Your visa will be valid for a period of up to three years.

In Conclusion

Ultimately, if you are committed to working in Germany, make sure you follow these steps. Prepare a strong application and begin networking with possible jobs in Germany.

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.

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