Employment for Skilled Workers with Vocational Qualification

You possess a recognized vocational qualification and have secured a job in Germany? Here's what you need to meet:

• A valid employment contract with a German company.
• A vocational qualification acknowledged by the competent German authority.

For those with completed qualified vocational training or studies outside Germany, obtaining a residence permit under Section 18a or 18b of the Residence Act (AufenthG) enables qualified employment in Germany as a skilled worker.

Requirements for a work visa include

• Recognition of your qualification in Germany or its equivalence to a German degree. Regulated professions, like healthcare, mandate licensure. Refer to the "Recognition" section for procedure details.
• While your job need not directly relate to your qualifications, regulated professions necessitate licensure.
• If you're over 45 and new to working in Germany, your job must yield a gross annual salary of €49,830 or evidence of sufficient pension provisions.

If you possess a recognized degree, explore eligibility for an EU Blue Card, offering attractive prospects for professionals. As a standard, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) must approve your employment, ensuring compliance with domestic standards regarding salary, working hours, etc. A work visa grants residence for qualified employment up to four years. For shorter contracts, the permit duration is the contract term plus three additional months. After three years with a work-related residence permit, you may qualify for a settlement permit, akin to permanent residency. Refer to the "Living permanently in Germany" section for details. For family relocation to Germany, this permit facilitates family reunification. Explore requirements in the "Family reunification" section.