Work Permit Visa in Germany: Procedures to get a Work Permit Visa for Germany

International students all over the world now have the opportunity to go for a work and study visa in Germany which is the destination of their preferred choice of learning, therefore all you need is to read up to get information on how to register for a work permit visa in Germany or steps for application of the visa. Germany has many different permit visa types available, which can make it tough to choose which is best for your employees.

FAQs on the Work Permit Visa in Germany

• How long will it take to get a work visa?
  Yes, to get this successfully done, It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get a work visa when you apply from Germany, but it can take up to 16 weeks. It takes around the same time in most embassies.
• How long is the work visa valid for?
  The German work visa is valid for up to 3 years. The Blue Card is valid for up to 4 years.
• Do I need a university degree to get a work visa?
  No. It’s possible to get a work visa without a university degree. The EU Blue Card requires a university degree.
• Do I need to speak German to get a work visa?
  No. You don’t need to speak German to get a work visa.
• What happens if I change jobs?
  Just remember that your work visa is attached to your job. If you get a new job, you need to update your visa at the Ausländerbehörde. If you have a Blue Card for at least 2 years, you can change jobs without updating your visa.
• What happens if I lose my job?
  You must notify the Ausländerbehörde as soon as you lose your job. Your visa is still valid, but the Ausländerbehörde can shorten your visa. The Ausländerbehörde will give you 3 to 6 months to find another job, or to leave Germany.
• How long can I stay out of Germany with a work visa?
  You can leave Germany for up to 6 months^, with a work visa. However, if you want to leave for a longer period, you can request special permission. With a Blue Card, you can leave Germany for up to 12 months. Note: If you leave for a longer period without special permission, your visa will become invalid.

Residents of the below Countries do not need a Visa to work in Germany

• Israel
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• EU/EEA
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Switzerland
• USA

If you are from the EU/EEA countries like; Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland you do not need a work visa to enter Germany for employment purposes.

However, You just have to register your residence once you arrive in Germany, using a valid passport or valid ID to travel.

Also, if you are from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand or the USA, you do not need a work visa to enter Germany. However, you do need to apply for a residence permit at the Foreigners’ Office upon your arrival in Germany.

If you are not a resident of any of the above named countries, you will have to apply for a work visa in order to enter Germany and start work. You must also apply for a residence permit for work purposes upon your arrival.

Documents for a Germany Employment Visa (Work Permit Visa in Germany)

In order to prove to the German embassy in your country of residence that you fulfill the conditions for an employment visa, you will need to submit some documents.

Make sure you collect all of these documents:

• • • Approval by the Federal Employment Agency (If applicable).
    • Curriculum Vitae. Your updated CV, which indicates your academic qualifications and your job experience.
    • Proof of a clean criminal record.
    • Two fully completed application forms. Printed and signed at the end.
    • Two passport photographs (see our page on photo requirements for more info as there are strict requirements).
    • Valid national passport (more information on passport requirements).
    • Proof of Qualification. Diplomas, Certificates, Mark-sheets etc., or anything similar that proves your qualifications.
    • Personal covering letter explaining the exact purpose and duration of stay.
    • Proof of residence. Your driver’s license and/or utility bill in your name as proof of residence in the territory of the consulate where you plan to apply.
    • An employment contract / binding job offer with details of gross annual salary and a detailed description of the employment in Germany.
    • Proof of paid visa fee. The visa fee for a German long-stay visa is €75.
    • Declaration of Accuracy of Information.
    • Health insurance. Compulsory certificate from German employer, valid from date of employment. If not already included in the compulsory health insurance a separate travel insurance has to be presented for the time frame from arrival in Germany until beginning of employment.

Types of work permit in Germany (Work Permit Visa in Germany)

There are different types of work permits and visas, so you’ll need to ensure you apply for the right one.

1. General employment permit

Let’s start with this, general employment permits in Germany are for those who work in jobs that don’t require you to be highly educated or highly skilled. The permit is usually granted for a year. You’ll only be eligible if the position cannot be filled by a worker from the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

2. University graduate permit

Talking about university permit, foreign graduates who hold a recognized university degree and have sufficient funds can get a six-month residence permit.

If you graduated from a German university, you can extend your existing residence permit for up to 18 months. what happens Once you’ve found work, you can then apply for a work permit.

3. EU Blue Cards (Work Permit Visa in Germany)

The Blue cards are for those with a university degree and a guaranteed job with an income of at least €50,800 – or €39,624 in occupations where there is a shortage of workers.

This gives you a four-year residence permit, and means family members can also come to live and work in Germany.

4. Highly skilled worker permit

If you’re highly skilled or earn more than €84,600 you can apply for a settlement permit. This allows you and your family members to live and work in Germany indefinitely.

5. Student permit (Work Permit Visa in Germany)

Those wanting to undertake professional or industrial training can be granted a residence permit, which also allows them to work up to 10 hours a week.

However it can lasts for two years or less, if the course lasts less than two years you can extend it for another year.

6. Self-employed permits

If you want to come to Germany to set up a business, you can apply for a residence permit for self-employed business purposes. This is valid for three years, and can be extended if the business turns out to be successful.

But first, you’ll need to prove that the business will fulfill a need in Germany and benefit its economy showing a viable business plan.

7. Scientific researcher permits

Here, you need a host agreement (contract) with a recognized research institute to show that you are properly qualified and financially secure. The permits last for at least a year, and you’re also allowed to lecture at your recognized institute.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Germany Job Seeker Visa?

The applicant must also fulfill several criteria in order to be eligible to apply:

• The possession of a Bachelor or Master’s Degree from a German university or an equivalent foreign degree.
• Have a relevant (a minimum of 5 years) of experience in your related field of interest/study.
• Show proof of travel or medical insurance for your entire stay in Germany or until you get your Work Permit.
• Show proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your whole stay in Germany.
• Proving sufficient financial resources is the most important part of your Job Seeker visa application
• To prove this you will need to open a Blocked Bank Account in Germany.
• Finally, it is highly recommended that you have German Language ability.

Note: English proficiency is sufficient to qualify for the visa, it would be better for you if you at least knew basic German.

Tips on How to Find a Job in Germany (Work Permit Visa in Germany)

The process of getting a job in Germany for foreigners goes as follows:

1. LOOK FOR A JOB ONLINE

Check German recruitment websites: There are many online sites offering jobs for both German and foreigners. You can check the job offers there, and see if any of them suits you.

Sign on a recruitment agency in Germany: You can find a list of these agencies in the German Yellow pages. Note that they will charge you a fee for signing up with them.

Public German job sites: The international Placement Service (ZAV) of the German Employment Agency has information on world opportunities all across Germany. You can check for a job in their portals, email them or call them for advice.

Contact companies in Germany: It is totally okay to write to a German company and ask them if they are planning to take in any new employees, even if they do not have any vacancy announcement.

2. APPLY FOR THE JOB

After you find the job that fits you, send a job application. Usually most of the companies will ask you for the following documents:

• your CV
• copies of your educational certificates
• employer testimonials
• samples of your work

3. ATTEND THE JOB INTERVIEW

Many of the companies will give you the chance to attend the interview online. However, others have strict policies that job applicants must show in person for the interview. You should apply for a Job-seeker visa, and attend the interview.