Germany Visas

Visa guide: How to get a work visa in Germany

If you want to work in Germany as a Non EU-Expat, you’re probably going to need a work visa. The German visa system involves quite a lot of paperwork and there are different visa types and ways to apply for a work visa. But don’t panic – assembling your visa application doesn’t have to be that difficult with our visa guide!

Moving to work in Germany and reinventing your life in a foreign country alone or even bringing your family members isn’t easy. There’s a lot to keep track of: housing, cell phone, finding new friends, learning the layout of your new city. But perhaps the trickiest part is putting together your visa application to get a work visa.

As a Non-EU or Non-EEA nationals you require a work for working in Germany. If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 12 months you have to get some form of residence permit like the EU Blue Card.

Who Needs a German Work Visa?

Citizens of the following countries can apply for their residence permit to work or study in Germany without a visa:

  • EEA/EU 
  • United States of America
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Switzerland
  • Republic of Korea

Citizens from other countries than the ones listed above do need a visa for working or studying in Germany.

What is the difference between work visa and work permit?

Both are permissions for work purposes in Germany. Which one you need depends on the country you are originating from.

Residence permit: 

  • people from EU and EEA countries, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the USA
  • can be applied for after arrival
  • an employment offer isn’t necessary

Work visa:

  • people from all other countries
  • must have visa before coming to Germany
  • must already have a job offer in Germany
  • need to get a residence permit once you get to Germany

What type of visa do I need?

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a visa to work or study in Germany. For everyone else, there are essentially three main types of visa:

  1. Transit visa: for stopovers at German airports
  2. Schengen visa: for short stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
  3. National visa: for stays of 3-12 months

If you want to work or study in Germany and have not yet applied for a residence permit, you will need a national visa. If you are unsure what you need, the German government has created a handy online tool to help.

All visa applications require a processing fee. These vary based on the region, as well as which kind of visa you’ll need. Try to bring at least EUR 100 in cash, though many also accept credit and debit cards.

For all three of these circumstances, you’ll need to visit your local Ausländerbehörde or, immigration office. Before you proceed, check the website of the office in your city for more valuable information, like opening times, necessary forms and more.

How do I get my work visa?

Germans are known for their love of paperwork. You need to assemble a lot of different documents to prepare your visa application. There is always a chance that the government worker handling your case might ask for your information; don’t be discouraged!

Bring extra copies of everything and if you have additional documents not listed below that might help, for example, a reference letter from a past employer or an extra copy of your resume, don’t hesitate to bring them along.

How do I get a work visa if I already have a job offer?

Congratulations, if you have a job offer it is the simplest way to get your work visa for Germany! If you’ve already gone through the interview process, finalized your offer and received a signed working contract, you’re almost done. All that’s left to do is visit the Kreisverwaltungsreferat, the German regional administration office, and get your work visa accepted and approved.

What documents do I need?

  • Your employment contract from your employer
  • A copy of your CV
  • A copy of your passport
  • Your diploma and university transcripts
  • A completed work visa application, signed by your future employer

Once you have assembled these documents, look online to make an appointment. These can fill up months in advance, so if you can’t find an appointment soon enough, you must go in person.

How do I get a work visa if I am still looking for a German job?

Not everyone is fortunate enough to arrive in Germany with a job offer in hand. Luckily, the German government understands this, and offers a German work visa for jobseekers.

This visa is valid for up to six months, during which time you can check out the job market and find jobs you can apply for. Be aware that once you receive an offer and get the job, you need to apply for a work permit to in Germany for that specific offer.

What documents do I need for a German work visa?

If this matches your profile, you can apply for a visa to work in Germany. To do so, you must put together the following documents for your visa application:

  • A valid passport
  • 2 biometric passport photos
  • A cover letter detailing your goal in Germany, your strategy for finding a job in Germany, and alternative plans in case you do not receive an offer
  • A copy of your diploma
  • Your college transcripts
  • Any additional professional certificates
  • Your CV
  • A rental agreement for proof of accommodations in Germany
  • Financial statements to cover your expenses in Germany (i.e. bank statement)
  • Relevant documents from your home country, including birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc
  • Proof of health insurance in Germany

Prepare two copies of each document, and bring both sets with you to your appointment at the government office. For some professions, like nurses, medical doctors, pharmacists or teachers, more documents may be required.

With this visa, you can now begin your job search in Germany!

What documents do I need for a visa as a freelancer?

  • Your completed visa application form (link)
  • A copy of your passport
  • Two up-to-date biometric passport photographs
  • Your CV
  • A cover letter
  • A portfolio showcasing your previous work
  • A business plan for your freelance work
  • Letters of intent from your clients (explaining their commitment to hire you once you arrive in Germany)
  • Proof of financial stability (this can include recent bank statements, a pension plan, current paychecks)
  • Diplomas and transcripts from colleges and universities
  • Recommendation letters from previous clients or employers
  • Proof of health insurance (private is the best option for freelancers – learn more here)
  • Payment for your visa application fee (90 EUR)