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Skilled Worker Visa

Who qualifies as a "skilled worker"?

  • •Indians need a visa before entering Germany for work
  • •You must apply for a national visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in India
  • •The visa is usually issued after approval from the Federal Employment Agency (handled by the German mission)
  • •Once in Germany, you must apply for a long-term residence permit at the local foreigners' authority
  • •A person with a recognized vocational qualification (at least two years of training) or a recognized university degree
  • •Foreign qualifications must be recognized in Germany:www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de

Requirements for a residence permit as a skilled worker

  • •Recognition of your foreign degree or certificate
  • •A specific job offer (including the "Declaration regarding a contract of employment" from your employer)
  • •Fulfillment of general requirements (valid passport, proof of financial stability, etc.)

Special Regulations for Certain Professions

  • •IT specialists: Work experience can replace formal qualifications.
  • •Researchers: No degree recognition needed, but a contract with a research institute is required
  • •Workers aged 45+: Must provide proof of pension coverage if their salary is below a certain threshold (unless applying for an EU Blue Card)

Entering Germany without a job offer

Opportunity Card (from June 1, 2024): Stay in Germany for up to 12 months to search for a job

  • •Minimum requirements: Recognized qualification + A1 German or B2 English
  • •Points system: You need at least 6 points based on factors such as qualifications, language skills, work experience, age, and connections to Germany

Can I bring my family?

Yes, spouses and minor children can apply for family reunification visas

What if my foreign qualification is not fully recognized?

  • •You can complete additional training in Germany for up to 3 years to gain full recognition
  • •Recognition partnership: Allows you to work while obtaining recognition of your qualification

Fast-track procedure for skilled workers

If you have found an employer, you can authorize them to start a fast-track application at the local foreigners authority. The authority will help with your qualification recognition and obtain approvals from the Federal Employment Agency within set deadlines

The fee is 411 euro plus additional costs for qualification recognition. After all requirements are verified, you'll receive preliminary approval to make a visa appointment at your local German mission (must be within three weeks). The mission typically decides within three weeks, with a visa fee of 75 euro

Eligible groups for fast-track procedure:

  • •skilled workers with professional training
  • •skilled workers with academic training
  • •highly qualified workers
  • •researchers/scientists
  • •managers
  • •professional training courses
  • •measures to obtain recognition of professional qualifications
  • •certain other occupations

Learn more about the fast-track procedure