Germany Work Visa, Process Price, and Procedure

The country has over time introduced many work visa and immigration laws which have helped it to better integrate the country towards immigrant-friendly status. It not only is currently working on work visa systems that help skilled workers make their career in Germany, but also provides chances to students who want to do apprenticeships in different skilled fields.

Germany introduced many changes in its visa and immigration rules for foreigners who want to work there. The main changes were made last year for the EU Blue Card visa. In March 2024 many other announcements have also been made. One very important change that is to come into force in June 2024 is the introduction of an “Opportunity Card” which has been designed on a points-based system. Qualified professionals and Degree holders will be able to apply for it without having a job beforehand.

The overview of the new immigration rules and their implementation dates:

First Round:	Second Round	Third Round
The first stage of the new regulations for skilled immigration came into force in November 2023. It mainly included facilitation for the “EU Blue Card” and for recognized skilled workers.	Starting on March 1, 2024, the main beneficiaries will be applicants with two years of experience, nurses, and students. Secondly, foreigners can move to Germany for employment by fulfilling certain requirements.	Starting from 1 June, introduction of the job search opportunity card. From 26 June 2024, beginning of the law of faster citizenship in 5 years.

Who Needs a Germany Work Visa?

Most Foreign Citizens

If you’re not a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you’ll need a visa to work in Germany.

Even Some EU Citizens

Even some EU/EFTA citizens might need a work permit if they’re in a regulated profession (like medicine or law) or if they come from a country that just joined the EU.

Who does not need a Visa to work in Germany?

EU/EFTA Nationals

Citizens of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland generally don’t need a work visa to work in Germany. They can simply register with the local authorities upon arrival.

Short-Term Gigs

If you’re coming for a short-term work project lasting less than 3 months (and earning under a certain amount), you might not need a visa depending on your nationality. However, it’s always best to check with the German authorities beforehand.

Work Visa upon Arrival

Citizens of the following countries can apply for their residence permit for work purposes 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

Types of German Work Visa

There are different types of work visas in Germany that help those have a job offer to apply for a visa, the ones that do not have a job offer, there are also options for them to apply for a work visa. Below you will find a range of these categories:

Job Seeker Visa

This is a temporary visa (usually valid for up to 6 months) that allows you to enter Germany and actively search for a job. After you have found a suitable job, you can apply for a work visa. You have to show at the time of applying job seeker visa that you have sufficient funds at your disposal for the intended six-month stay. You are also allowed to do a part-time job (up to 20 hours per week) until you get a full-time job that suits your qualifications. Think of it as a trial period to see if Germany’s a good fit for your career goals.

Skilled Worker Visa

The skilled worker visa type allows you to work in Germany if you have found a job from a German employer. This could be in the field of any labor shortage profession in Germany.

This is the most common category for those who have secured a job in Germany before entering the country. It’s valid for the duration of your employment contract (typically 1-5 years) and can be renewed.

Opportunity Card

Starting from 1 June 2024, the opportunity card visa will allow you to apply for a German work visa without having a qualified job offer from the German labor market. This is a points-based system visa and requires language proficiency either in English or German. Check here if you are eligible for this visa using the points calculator.

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications Visa

If your foreign qualification isn’t directly recognized in Germany, this visa allows you to work in a specific job while you pursue official recognition.

Visa for Experienced Professionals without Degrees

Don’t have a formal degree but boast extensive experience in a non-regulated profession? This visa path might be an option for you, allowing you to work based on your experience. You can also use opportunity card stream for this visa.

Pre-Approval Work Visa

This visa is fast-tracked and allows you to get faster processing of your visa application. Unlike a general work visa, in this visa category, your employer in Germany already gets your work visa approval from local authorities and sends you its confirmation. You submit it with other required documents to the local German embassy or consulate in your home country and get a work visa done.

The EU Blue Card

This is the fast track for highly skilled professionals. If you have a university degree, a job offer with a high salary (over €56,400 per year for most fields, or €43,992 for some STEM fields as of 2024), and your profession is on the “in-demand” list or “bottleneck occupations“, this visa expedites the process and offers benefits like easier permanent residency down the line.

Freelancer Visa 

If you’re self-employed and have clients lined up in Germany, this visa allows you to work there.

Working Holiday Visa

For young adults from countries with working holiday agreements with Germany, this visa lets you work for a limited time while experiencing German culture.

How to Apply for a German Work Visa?

The work visa category determines itself the process to use for applying a work visa. Here we have discussed some of the steps required to complete this process.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

The first crucial step is figuring out which visa category best suits your situation. As mentioned earlier, here are the main options:

• General Employment Visa: For those with a confirmed job offer in Germany.
• Job Seeker Visa: For skilled individuals seeking work opportunities in Germany.
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals with a university degree, a high-paying job offer, and a profession on Germany’s “in-demand” list (applicable to EU/EFTA citizens).

Step 2: Research and Gather Documents

Once you’ve identified your visa category, research the specific requirements on the website of the German missions abroad or the Federal Foreign Office. This will give you a detailed list of documents you’ll need to submit, which typically includes:

• Valid passport,
• Completed visa application form,
• Proof of health insurance,
• Proof of sufficient financial resources,
• Job offer letter (for general employment visa),
• Educational qualifications and transcripts,
• Proof of work experience (for relevant categories).

Step 3: Apply at the German Mission

The next step involves submitting your application and required documents at the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You might need to schedule an appointment in advance. Be prepared to pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the visa category.

How to find jobs in Germany for a work visa?

Finding jobs in Germany is possible and open with a lot of opportunities these days online. Below are some of the modern ways you could find a suitable job for you in different job sectors:

• Employland
• The Local
• English Jobs DE
• Indeed
• Expat job seeker DE
• Germany startup jobs
• Immigrantspirit
• Jobtopus
• Stepstone
• Glassdoor

Jobs-In Portals

Jobs-in is perhaps the best portal out of all. It offers different websites by focusing on each cit., So for every new city, it has a new website for English jobs. Check it out below by clicking on your desired city link to reach the desired website:

• English Jobs in Munich
• English Jobs in Dusseldorf
• English Jobs in Cologne
• English Jobs in Berlin
• English Jobs in Frankfurt
• English Jobs in Stuttgart
• Jobs in Leipzig
• English Jobs in Karlsruhe
• English Jobs in Aachen
• English Jobs in Dresden
• English Jobs in Nuremberg

Facebook Groups

• English speaking jobs in Berlin
• English Jobs in Hamburg
• English-speaking jobs in Munich
• English & International Jobs In Frankfurt
• English Jobs Düsseldorf

In-Demand Jobs in Germany

• Energy and electrical engineering (e.g. wind power, photovoltaics, solar power technology/installation)
• Mechanical engineering
• Technical equipment and installations
• Construction industry
• Automotive industry (e.g. electric mobility)
• Agriculture and farming,
• electronic technicians for energy and building technology, 
• heating engineering, 
• system mechanics and sanitary, 
• heating and air-conditioning technology,
• energy consultants, 
• environmental engineers, 
• design engineers/developers, 
• automotive engineers,
• IT specialists such as software developers and data scientists,
• software developer,
• Application support SAP,
• IT Security,
• Data Science,
• Patient care,
• Pediatric nursing (caring for children),
• Geriatric nursing (care of the elderly),
• Physicians, Doctors,
• Automation technology,
• Supervision of construction planning and architecture,
• Automotive industry, including electromobility and autonomous driving,
• Renewable energies and environmental protection, 
• Artificial intelligence (AI),
• Chemist,
• Research and Development Professional,
• Pharmaceutics,
• Financial analyst,
• Architecture/Engineering professionals,
• Energy engineers and electrical engineers,
• Heavy-duty drivers.

Germany Work Visa Price

It depends upon the visa category you are applying for. For normal National long-stay (D type) visas, an applicant has to pay 75 EUR. For the under 18 children visa fees is 37.50 EUR. Once you reach Germany, you should apply for the “Residence Permit” card and submit your fingerprints at the foreigners office. This can cost you extra €100 to €115.

Arriving in Germany on a Work Visa

• Register Your Address: Within a week of arrival, head to the local Bürgeramt (citizen’s registration office) to register your address. This is crucial for obtaining official documents and accessing various services.
• Open a Bank Account: Setting up a German bank account will simplify your life. You’ll need it for receiving your salary, paying bills, and managing your finances.
• The Final Hurdle: Remember, your work visa likely allows you to enter Germany and take up your job, but it’s not a permanent residence permit. You’ll need to visit the local Foreigners’ Authority” or “Immigration Office (foreigners’ authority) to apply for a residence permit. This usually takes place within the validity of your work visa. They’ll issue an official document allowing you to live and work in Germany for your employment contract (typically 1-5 years and can be renewed).