Germany holds a lot of opportunities for many individuals seeking job opportunities and a chance to grow in career and experience. It is a country of innovations and inventions, famous for its world-class corporates and companies. If you’re from anywhere around the world, consider obtaining a German employment visa to start your career journey in the country with the lowest unemployment rate in Europe.

Therefore, this article will analyze a German employment visa, the requirements to obtain a visa, eligibility, and how to apply. Stay close!

What is a German employment visa?

The German employment visa is a document that permits an individual to acquire qualified employment in Germany. In addition, it poses the opportunity for qualified foreigners to work and settle in Germany in their respective fields of expertise. With this Visa, you can live and work in Germany for about two years, access numerous advantageous experiences, and assess various job opportunities, after which you can extend your Visa subsequently. However, If you so wish, you can apply for a residence permit or EU blue card.

Germany employment visa process

Undoubtedly, you are responsible for applying for an employment visa in Germany. However, if you have already gained employment from a German employee, your employer can help you ensure that you have a successful application process by providing proof that the job you are awarded cannot be done by any other workers who are citizens or residents of Germany.

The processing time for obtaining the Visa depends on the workload of the consulate or embassy in your home country. However, your Visa can be ready between 1 to 3 months. To be on the safe side, consider submitting your application earlier enough to prevent delay.

Germany Employment Visa application fee

The German employment visa application fee or work permit is about €75, equivalent to 90 USD. You will have to complete the employment permit or work permit visa application form, which is also known as Antrag auf Erlaubnis einer Beschäftigung to get a resident permit.

Types of employment visas in Germany

There are about five long-stay visa types for working in Germany. They are as follows:

#1. Employment visa: This is applicable if you already have a job offer from any company in Germany.

#2. Self-employment visa: This is applicable if you wish to establish and grow a business in Germany. On the other hand, if you want to work as a freelancer.

#3. Jobseeker Visa: If you’re already in Germany and wish to look for a job, you will need a German job seeker visa.

#4. Working Holiday Visa: These are for young individuals from different countries who have an agreement with a company and have signed a working holiday visa agreement in Germany. Work holiday visas are often easier to get than blue cards.

#5. Working as an Au Pair: This is specific for young adults who have a keen interest in learning about the language and culture of Germany.

Eligibility criteria to obtain a Germany employment visa

Without a doubt, all foreign nationals who wish to work in Germany must fulfill the following conditions to stand a chance. The categories that are eligible to apply for a German employment visa according to the “Act on the Residence,” which regulates residency issues for foreigners in Germany, include:

#1. Highly qualified foreigners

Highly qualified foreigners eligible for the German employment visa include teaching or scientific personnel in permanent positions or researchers with special technical knowledge.

#2. Intra-corporate transferees

The intra-corporate transferees that will be given special consideration are managers and specialists.

#3. University graduate or non-academic vocational applicants

Individuals from a third-world country with a non-academic vocational qualification or university degree that want to fill an employment position in Germany must ensure that:

• there is a demand for skilled workers in their profession in Germany;
• they have a solid job offer, and they
• possess a good academic degree that is recognized to be equivalent to a German degree

Documents required for Germany employment visa

To obtain a German employment visa, it is essential to provide the following documents at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence. These documents are essential for your application process and could determine the outcome of your application process. Therefore, here are the important documents to collate.

• Two passport-size photographs with a blank background, 35 x 45mm biometric picture, and taking not more than three months ago.
• Two correctly filled application form that is printed and signed towards the end of their documents.
• A valid international passport. Your passport must be valid for another six months, issued in the last ten years, have at least two free pages, and contains your signature.
• Proof of identification and residents. This can be in the form of your driver’s license or utility bill.
• A binding job offer or employment contract from a German employer with a job description and details of annual salary.
• Your resume/curriculum vitae that emphasizes your job experience and academic qualification.
• Health insurance documents.
• Your employer must be in Germany.
• Also, you must be competent enough to do the job in Germany.
• Proof of qualifications such as certificates, mark sheets, diplomas, etc.
• Police clearance that proves that you have a clean criminal record.
• Proof of visa payment.

How to apply for a Germany employment visa

To apply for a German employment visa in Germany, follow the steps to have a successful application experience.

#Step one: Get a job offer in Germany

The easiest way of attaining a German employment visa is to obtain a job offer from an employer in Germany. Note that with a valid job offer, you will be highly considered amongst others without a job offer.

#Step two: Get your appointment at the German embassy or consulate

Book an appointment with the German consulate or embassy in your home country. Note that it can be difficult to find an appointment, some only get an appointment after 2 months of applying. Hence, it is profitable to start looking out as soon as possible.

#Step three: Prepare your documents

The next step to applying for a Germany employment visa is to prepare all necessary documents for your interview process and registration. Good preparation and complete documents will help you stand out amongst other applicants.

#Step four: Pay the German Employment Work visa fee

The visa payment is as necessary as your application process. Hence, endeavor to go along with the payment fee or a copy of proof of your visa application payment.

#Step five: Attend the interview

Not only should you attend the interview prepared, but you also attend the interview on time. Attending an interview late might lead to the cancellation of your visa application process.

#Step six: Wait for a response on your visa application

Upon completion of your interview and other application, you can await a response from the German embassy or consulate you attended. If your application is successful, your Visa will be made available for you on your passport.

When you receive approval for your Germany employment visa, you can move to Germany to start a long-lasting career.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a work visa for Germany?

There are a few different ways to get a work visa for Germany. One way is to have an employer sponsor your Visa. Another way is to have a relative who is a German citizen sponsor your Visa. You can also apply for a self-employment visa if you have a business idea that you want to start in Germany.

Does Germany give a work visa?

Yes, Germany does give work visas. There are several types of work visas available, depending on the type of work you will be doing. There are also several requirements that you must meet to be eligible for a work visa. For more information, please visit the German embassy or consulate website in your country.

What is the Blue Card in Germany?

The Blue Card is a work permit for highly skilled workers outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). It allows holders to live and work in Germany for up to four years. To be eligible for a Blue Card, you must have a university degree or an equivalent qualification, and your salary must be at least €50,800 per year (or €38,688 for shortage occupations).

Do German companies hire foreigners?

Yes, German companies do hire foreigners. There is a shortage of skilled labor in Germany, so companies are often looking for talented foreigners to fill open positions. Getting a job in Germany can be difficult, but it is possible with the right skills and experience.

Can I do freelance work while employed in Germany?

Yes, you can do freelance work while employed in Germany. However, you need to make sure that you are not violating your employment contract by doing so. You should also check with your employer to see if they have any restrictions on freelance work.