Germany visa for professionally experienced workers

People with a qualifying job offer in Germany, at least two years of relevant qualified professional experience within the last five years, and the required qualification unless the IT provision applies.

• Qualifying qualification

  Have an academic qualification or a non-academic vocational qualification recognised by the government of the country where it was obtained; the vocational qualification must have required at least two years of training. Qualifying vocational training from a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad is also accepted. Experienced IT professionals do not have to prove a formal qualification.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Qualification evidence

  For a non-academic vocational qualification, obtain a positive result from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). For an academic degree, use ZAB confirmation of state recognition or a positive evaluation in the anabin database. The formal-qualification proof requirement does not apply to experienced IT professionals.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Relevant work experience

  Provide evidence of at least two years of qualified professional experience within the last five years; it must adequately qualify you for, and be related to, the job you intend to do in Germany.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Job offer

  Have a concrete offer for qualified employment in a non-regulated profession in Germany; an employment contract can prove the offer.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Salary

  The job must guarantee at least €45,630 gross per year as of 2026. Alternatively, it is sufficient for the employer to be bound by a collective agreement and pay you in accordance with it.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• If older than 45

  If you are older than 45, the intended job must pay at least €55,770 gross per year as of 2026, or you must prove adequate pension provision.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Employment approval

  The Federal Employment Agency must approve the employment and assess whether its conditions correspond to those of domestic employees. The visa section usually obtains approval; the employer must complete the Declaration of Employment needed by the agency.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Living costs

  Prove during the visa application that you can finance your living expenses in Germany; the guidance lists future salary, a Declaration of Commitment or a blocked account as possible forms of proof, depending on the purpose of stay.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Identity and passport

  Prove your identity and nationality, generally with a valid passport submitted with the application. Non-EU or non-EFTA nationals generally need a valid and recognised passport or passport substitute to enter.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• No grounds for expulsion

  There must be no grounds preventing your stay in Germany; the authorities check whether you could pose a threat to public safety and order.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• Health insurance

  Have health insurance in Germany from the first day of arrival; proof is required at the latest when you collect your visa.

  Researched just now · being double-checkedSource

• National entry visaResearched just now · being double-checkedSource€75 per person

1. Get ready

   • Check the route requirements

     Check that your experience, proposed job, salary and, unless the IT provision applies, qualification meet the route requirements.

   • Prepare qualification evidence

     Obtain the required positive qualification result or evaluation, unless the IT provision removes the need to prove a formal qualification.

     You’ll need: Qualification documents, Positive ZAB result for a non-academic vocational qualification, or ZAB confirmation or positive anabin evaluation for a

   • Gather job and experience evidence

     Prepare evidence of your relevant experience and job offer, and ask your employer to complete the Declaration of Employment.

     You’ll need: Evidence of at least two years of relevant qualified professional experience within the last five years, Employment contract, Employer's Declaration of Employment

   • Check your mission’s document list

     Check the required documents with the German mission responsible for your place of residence and allow time for an appointment and processing.

     You’ll need: Valid passport, Documents required by the responsible German mission

2. Apply

   • Apply for the visa

     Apply through the Consular Services Portal, or follow the application method stated for your country, and submit the required documents to the responsible German mission.

     You’ll need: Visa application, Valid passport, Required supporting documents

3. Visa

   • Show insurance and collect your visa

     Arrange health insurance from your first day in Germany and provide proof at the latest when collecting an approved visa.

     You’ll need: Proof of health insurance

4. Travel

   • Prepare to travel

     After the visa is granted, prepare for the journey and bring originals and digital copies of your personal documents.

     You’ll need: Passport and visa, Personal documents, including qualification documents

5. Settle in

   • Register your address

     When you arrive

     Register your place of residence with the local Residents’ Registration Office within two weeks of moving in.

     You’ll need: Valid identity document, Landlord’s tenancy confirmation letter for rented accommodation

   • Apply for a residence permit

     When you arrive

     Contact the foreigners authority immediately after arrival to check its documents and arrange an application before your entry visa expires.

     You’ll need: Documents specified by the competent foreigners authority

The residence permit can usually be extended while you remain employed and can cover your living costs; you may be granted a settlement permit after five years in Germany under the general rules.

• make-it-in-germany.com/en/living-in-germany/housing-mobility/housing-…Official
• Radware Pagemake-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• How do I apply for a visa?make-it-in-germany.comOfficial
• Visas for Germany - Federal Foreign Office auswaertiges-amt.deOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.