Everyone has to apply and obtain a visa for work purposes before entering Germany. After the application has been approved by the Aliens’ Office and by the Work Office, the Embassy will issue you a residence permit in the form of a visa, which will include an authorization permitting you to work in Germany. You don’t need to obtain no extra work permit after arriving in Germany.

In order to prove to the German embassy/consulate of residence that you fulfil the conditions for an employment visa, you will need to submit several documents. These documents are the crucial part of your application for a German employment visa, alongside with the visa interview.
Make sure you collect all of these documents according to their given instructions.

• 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 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.
• 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. If you are looking for great coverage for a good price, then your working health insurance awaits here!
• An employment contract / binding job offer with details of gross annual salary and a detailed description of the employment in Germany.
• Approval by the Federal Employment Agency (If applicable).
• Curriculum Vitae:- Your updated CV, which indicates your academic qualifications and your job experience.
• 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 a clean criminal record.
• Proof of paid visa fee:- The visa fee for a German long-stay visa is €75.
• Declaration of Accuracy of Information.

General employment category is based on the economic needs of the Federal Republic of Germany. The two basic conditions are:

• Vocational qualification.
• A concrete offer of a contract of employment.

You will need the following documentation:

• Application form for a residence permit
• Two passport size, colour photos
•  Valid passport
• Two copies of your vocational qualification
•  Letter of intent or contract offered to you by a company in Germany containing a detailed description of the employment
• You will also need to submit two copies of each of these documents with you application.

Germany is interested in attracting specialist professionals to work and live in Germany. This applies particularly to:

• Graduates with special professional knowledge and experience.
•  University teachers with outstanding career profiles.
• Experienced managers with an offer of a job carrying a salary of not less than 86.400 Euros per year.
• Applicants should furthermore satisfy the following criteria.
• Ability to integrate into German society.
•  Sufficient funds to maintain yourself.
• A contract of employment.

You will need the following documentation:

• Application form for a residence permit.
• Two passport size color photos.
• Valid passport.
• Documentation of your professional knowledge and experience.
• Letter of intent or contract offered to you by a German employer, including a detailed description of the employment.

To work on a self-employed basis your proposed business must: 

• Fulfil the needs of Germany.
• Have a beneficial economic impact.
• Be fully covered by your own capital or bank loan for which there is a written confirmation.

If you investment is worth 1 million Euros and creates 10 new jobs than you fulfil the first two requirements. To ensure the sustainability of your business project, the following criteria will also be taken into account:

• Viability of your business plan.
• Your relevant business experience.
• Amount to be invested in Germany.
• Impact of your business project on employment and skills.
• Contribution of your project to innovation and research.

You will need the following documentation:

• Complete application form for a residence permit.
• Two passport size color photos.
• Valid passport.
• Detailed description of your business project, including an expectation of how your project meets the required criteria.
• Proof that you possess the necessary capital for the business.
• If you are over 45 years of age, you must also provide evidence of adequate pension means.

A residence permit for self-employed business purposes is valid for a maximum of three years. It can be indefinitely extended if your project is successful.

The processing time for a Germany long-stay work visa may take from one to three months from the application day. The processing time depends also on the number of applications the embassy is receiving at the time, as well as your situation.

You will need to attend an interview during which you will also submit the required documents for a residence permit. These documents are:

• Your national valid passport.
• Application form for a Residence Permit.
• Two photos.
• Report of clean criminal record.
• Proof of German Language.
• Health Insurance Confirmation.
• Proof of Job Offer.

If you want to work in Germany, but you still do not have a job, we can give you some tips in this regard. There are many vacant jobs in Germany for foreigners. You will not have it hard to find a suitable job for you, especially if you have the professional qualifications.
The process of getting a job in Germany for foreigners goes as follows:

• 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. Check their page for more.
• 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.
• 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.

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

Many of the companies will give you the chance to attend the interview online, i.e. through Skype. However, some others have strict policies that job applicants must show in person for the interview. If that is the case, you should apply for a Jobseeker visa, and attend the interview.