Update 18.09.2024
Professional training and working in Germany
Germany is looking for skilled workers– but who exactly is considered a "skilled worker"? Professionals with vocational training or professional qualifications, so-called “highly qualified” people with university degrees and those undergoing vocational training in Germany count as "skilled workers" or "Fachkräfte". In other words, those who are studying or doing vocational training here.
Skilled workers require a visa and then a residence permit to enter and stay in Germany. There are different types of residence permits depending on the exact purpose of the stay. The information below covers different kinds of visas and is relevant for skilled workers who are still abroad and those already living in Germany.
Here, you will also find detailed information on the recognition procedure for degrees or professional qualifications. We also inform you about the requirements for family reunification and the schooling of children. If you would like to know more about how to find a flat, open a bank account or take out health insurance, then have a look at our page ‘First steps in Germany for Immigrants’.
You can find all other information about life in Germany under the various categories on our website (e.g., "Live", "Health", "Work", "Learn" or "Family"). If you still have questions, please visit our community platform, Together in Germany, and seek support. You can ask your questions anonymously– Our community managers and experts will be happy to answer.
National Visa Type D
Can I enter Germany and stay for long term? Who needs a national visa for entering Germany? How is national visa different from Schengen visa? What documents do I need to present when applying for a national visa type D?
EU Blue Card
What is an EU Blue Card? Who can apply for one? Can I work and live anywhere in the EU with an EU Blue Card?
Visa for Skilled Workers
Can I come to Germany to work? Who is considered a "skilled worker"? How can I apply for a visa?
Visa and Residence Permit for Students
How can I obtain a student visa and study in a university in Germany? Can I stay in Germany after graduation?
Visa for Vocational Training
Can I come to Germany for vocational training? Which requirements do I need to meet to obtain a vocational training visa?
Visa for Research Work
Can I come to Germany and work as a researcher? What documents do I need for my visa application?
Visa and residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications
Can I come to Germany to have my qualifications recognised? How can I participate in a qualification programme?
Visa for Self-Employment
Can I come to Germany to work as a self-employed professional? What requirements do I need to meet for a visa?
Declaration of Commitment for National Visa Type D
What is a declaration of commitment for National Visa Type D? What requirements do I have to meet to submit one?
“Opportunity Card” for Jobseekers
The "Chancenkarte" is a points-based system that allows you to stay in Germany to look for work.
Visa for Jobseekers
Can I come to Germany to look for a job? What requirements do I need to meet for a visa?
Visa for Seeking a Vocational Training or University Programme
Can I come to Germany to look for a vocational training position or university programme? What are the requirements?
Permanent Residence Permit for Immigrants
Can I obtain permanent residence permit and settle in Germany? Where and how can I apply? What requirements do I need to meet?
Recognition Procedure (for degrees & professional qualifications)
Recognition of foreign certificates
Do I have to have my certificates recognised? What can I do if my degree is not (or is only partially) recognised?
Certified copies
What is a certified copy? Why do I need it, and where can I obtain it? Do I have to pay to make a certified copy of my documents?
Family Reunification for Immigrants
What kind of residence permit I need for my family to be able to come to Germany? What are the prerequisites for family reunification? Where can I apply? What if the Immigration office reject my application?
Kita: Childcare in Germany
What are my childcare options as a parent in Germany? Where can I get help if I cannot find a childminder or kindergarten?
Schools in Germany
What types of school exist in each German federal state? What kind of evaluation and certificate system exist in my federal state?
Child Benefit
Am I entitled to "Kindergeld" in Germany? Where and when can I apply for child benefits? And which documents do I have to submit along with my application?
Labour rights
What is an "Abmahnung" and when may my employer send me one? Where can I get help when I face problems at work?
Employment Contract
Do I need a written employment contract? How high is the minimum wage for my job? What is a "Tarifvertrag"?
Termination of Employment Contract
How can I protect myself against dismissal from work? Can employers fire pregnant women or persons with disabilities? Where can I seek help if I have lost my job due to discrimination?
