Published on August 4th, 2026

Likely one of the first things that you think of when you are offered a job in Germany – how do I get a German work visa? We will be honest with you – it is not the simplest procedure. With our expertise though, the process will go smoothly.

Who needs a German work visa?

All non-EU nationals are required to have an appropriate employment visa or work permit for the duration of their stay in Germany. Dependent family members and spouses of a main applicant can apply for a residence permit. This generally also allows employment.

Visa or work permit?

There is a tendency to use the terms German work visas and work permits interchangeably. However, these are two distinct steps allowing you to take up employment in Germany. Please see the detailed explanations below.

German work visa

You have to apply for a visa from your home country. The visa application process requires you to travel to the German consulate in your home country to collect your visa. The German work visa typically takes the form of a sticker in your passport. This allows you to enter Germany and start employment immediately. It is typically valid for a maximum of one year. Before it expires, you have to apply for a German work permit from the local authorities.

Work permit

You apply for a work permit from the local authorities in the city or district in which you reside in the host country. For the application, you have to gather a number of documents such as your rental agreement and proof of health insurance. These then have to be submitted to the foreigner’s office (Ausländerbehörde). You then have to attend an appointment to provide biometric data. The German work permit is in card format, like an ID card or driver’s license.

Where to apply from?

Some nationalities are permitted to enter Germany without a visa, such as US Americans. Even in these cases, we recommend that you apply for a job visa from your home country. You must have approval in order to take up employment and this is a lengthy process. It therefore makes sense to do this before you leave. Otherwise you could move to Germany and not be able to start working for several months.

Types of work permits

There are hundreds of types of work permit that apply to different situations. These are based on different laws such as the Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG) and the Beschäftigungsverordnung (BeschV). The most well-known work permits are the EU Blue Card, the Skilled Worker permit and the ICT (intra-corporate transfer). However there are numerous other options, depending on the individual’s specific situation.

Which German work visa is right for me?

How do you know which employment permit to apply for? There are a whole host of criteria that affect which work permit you can apply for. Each case is different and your personal relocation consultant will provide tailored advice regarding which work permit is suitable in your individual case. To determine which job visas you may be entitled to, we look at the following, among other things:

– applicant’s annual salary

– applicant’s academic record

– applicant’s vocational training

– applicant’s employment history

– type of employment contract

– position and responsibility

– type of job

EU Blue Card

This is a particularly popular permit as it allows holders to apply for permanent residency after a shorter period of time. It is available to highly-qualified employees from non-EU countries. The applicant’s academic degree must be recognized officially as being equivalent to a German degree. The applicant must also have a binding employment contract. There is a threshold stating the minimum salary and this is updated annually. As at August 2026, the employee must earn at least €50,700 annually in order to qualify for this work permit. There is also a reduced threshold for certain professions where there is a shortage of qualified workers, such as IT.

Intra-corporate transfer (ICT)

The ICT Card is a non-permanent residence permit for employees working temporarily in the EU. This is suitable for employees hired outside of the EU who are seconded to Europe for an international assignment or project. ICT cards are issued for a specific country but there is the option of obtaining a mobile ICT for shorter projects in the EU.

Requirements for an ICT card in Germany

1. Employment of at least 6 months prior to the EU assignment
2. Secondment within the corporate group
3. Guaranteed employment in the home country for the event of redundancy in the host country
4. Application must be submitted before arriving in the EU
5. International assignment for a limited time period of maximum three years
6. Three-party contract between the employee, home unit and host unit
7. Position: ICTs are available for specialists, managers and trainees
8. Qualifications must meet job requirements
9. Contract/assignment letter in writing
10. German employment law is heeded, e.g. minimum holiday allowance, equivalent salary level
11. Proof of professional qualifications
12. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency

Skilled Worker Permit

The lack of skilled workers in some sectors in Germany resulted in the Skilled Immigration Act being passed. Considerable changes were made to this in 2023, with the aim being to make immigration simpler for these skilled workers.

There are two main options for residence permits, either skilled workers with a vocational training qualification or skilled workers with a university degree. In a change since November 2023, the applicant is no longer restricted to jobs related to their qualification (although there are exceptions for regulated professions).

How do I apply for a German work visa?

Step 1: Employment contract

In order to apply for a German employment visa, you first need to confirm your employment with your employer in the form of an official employment contract, or in some cases, an assignment letter.

Step 2: Other documents

You will also need a valid passport, ideally with at least 3 years validity remaining. In addition to these documents, there are a number of other documents and forms that you will need. These differ depending on the individual case. Your trusted relocation consultant will explain which documents you need in your specific case.

Step 3: Submit application

Once you have all these documents, they need to be submitted to the German consulate responsible for your home country or area. Depending on the location and the type of visa you are applying for, this may be done using the online application platform or in person after arranging an appointment.

Step 4: Collect employment visa

After the consulate has checked all the documents, you will be issued with your employment visa for Germany. This is usually valid for 6-12 months. Before the end of this period, you will need to file for an extension from within Germany.

Health Insurance

Valid health insurance for Germany is a pre-requisite for your application being approved. Proof of health insurance must be submitted along with the other documents. In Germany, both private and public (statutory) health insurance are available. There is a minimum threshold to qualify for private health insurance. As at August 2026, employees with a gross annual salary of over 77,400 euros can choose health insurance. However, it is worth noting that each family member must be insured separately if you choose private health insurance, whereas public insurance allows you to include dependents with your insurance.

Costs and fees

Both the German employment visa and the work permit are subject to a processing fee. As at August 2026, the visa fee for adults is 75 euros, payable in the local currency. The standard fee for an initial work permit is 100 euros but this can vary in specific cases. Please also bear in mind that there may be costs for additional steps such as translations or apostilles.

Our top tips for smooth processing

1. Allow plenty of time. Our experience shows that almost every step of the process takes longer than anticipated. Sometimes it takes a long time for an appointment to become available, sometimes processing is delayed, sometimes you have to go through a whole additional process such as the degree recognition process. If you allow yourself plenty of time, then this takes the stress out of these types of delays.
2. Collect all your documents early on in the process and have the originals and digital copies to hand, you will need them! Transport these documents in your hand luggage rather than packing them in boxes to be shipped.
3. Have translations available for documents that are not in German or English.
4. If at all possible, do not move house during the extension process. This can result in a different foreigner’s office being responsible for your case and the whole process needing to be started from the beginning again.

Summary of German work visas

While the immigration process in Germany is complex and time-consuming, there are numerous employment visas and work permits available to non-EU nationals. If you allow plenty of time and consult an experienced relocation specialist, the process can be both smooth and stress-free, allowing you to concentrate on the other aspects of your move to Germany.

Next Steps

If you would like tailored advice to your specific case, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly consultants at Expats Guide, we will be happy to help!

Related Topics

New EU Blue Card Regulations

Intra-corporate transfer to the European Union | ExpatsGuide Relocation Services