The national visa for employment enables international professionals as academics, as a skilled worker with professional training, or with work experience to enter Germany in order to pursue specific employment there.

Duration of stay

The visa is initially issued for up to twelve months and authorizes entry into Germany. To be able to work in Germany, a residence permit must be applied for at the competent immigration office after entry.

Employment

The visa for employment allows the immediate commencement of qualified employment. The employment does not necessarily have to be professionally related to the acquired qualification – it is important that it is a qualified activity for which a university degree or completed vocational training is normally required. For regulated professions, the activity must correspond to the acquired qualification and the professional license.

Requirements for issuance

The diplomatic mission examines whether the following conditions are met:

• Binding job offer with employment contract or job offer from a German employer for a qualified activity.
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency, which confirms an examination of comparable employment conditions with those of domestic workers.

Additional requirements for the respective purpose are:

Visa for employment with professional experience (§18a)

• Foreign university degree or professional training recognized by the state in the country of origin.

Visa for employment as an academic and in a vocational profession (§18b)

• Qualification recognized in Germany (university degree or vocational training) that is comparable to a German qualification.

Those who meet the criteria for an EU Blue Card should check whether entry under this purpose with its additional benefits is the better option.
Important note: For regulated healthcare professions, a professional license is mandatory.

Application submission

The application is submitted in person at the German embassy or consulate in the home country. Scheduling an appointment is generally required in advance.
Further information on scheduling appointments and the on-site appointment process at a German embassy can be found here.

Application form

The visa application form can be filled out online and then brought as a printout to the on-site appointment. The application form D is available for download here.

A detailed guide for correct completion can be found here.

Required documents

The following documents must be submitted for the application. To avoid additional requests and delays, all required documents should be checked for completeness:

• Completed and signed application form D
• Valid passport (valid at least until the end of the planned stay)
  
• Biometric, recent passport photo
• Employment contract or binding job offer
• Proof of financing
• Proof of health insurance
• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter

Also relevant for the application depending on the purpose:

Visa for employment as an academic and in a vocational profession

• Proof of recognized qualification (recognition certificate)
  

Visa for employment with professional experience

• Proof of professional experience through employment references or certificates

For regulated professions

• Full professional license or temporary professional license

Detailed information on proof of financial means and choosing the right health insurance as well as support in preparing a curriculum vitae and motivation letter for the application can be found in the respective articles.

Plausibility, practical tips, and time frame for application

When submitting the application, it is important to present a comprehensible plan that clearly outlines the visa purpose. For the visa for employment, this means. It should be made clear which specific position is intended and how the planned activity fits with the existing qualification. An already existing employment contract or a binding job offer makes the intention particularly credible and is in any case required for the application.
It is also important to prove recognition of the qualification – for academics and professionals with vocational training through a recognition certificate, for professionals with job experience through corresponding employment references. For regulated healthcare professions, a full professional license or temporary professional license must additionally be presented.
Also crucial is proof that financing is secured for the entire duration of stay. This includes both the initial phase until the first salary payment as well as any bridging periods.
The application should be submitted several months before the planned start of employment, as processing times can vary. Early appointment scheduling is important, especially when a fixed start date has been agreed upon with the employer.

Processing time and fees

Processing of a national visa typically takes between six and eight weeks. In individual cases, processing may take longer. The fee for a national visa is currently 75 euros and is subject to change. It is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the procedure. More information on processing times of the visa application can be found here.