.png)
Age limit for work visa
What regulations apply to employees over 45? All the answers!
Share:
.jpg)
which rules apply to older employees ( age limit )
What employees over 45 years of age need to consider
Apply for a visa as an older worker
Information on retirement provision for foreign workers
1. Pension system with visa
2. Which workers need a pension for the visa?
3. Proof of retirement/pension for visa
4. Use pension from abroad for visa
5. FAQ Pension and Visa
6. Conclusion Pension and Visa
3. Proof of retirement/pension for visa
Proof of sufficient retirement provision can be provided in various ways. Employees can, for example, present their private pension insurance , state pension entitlements, or company pension plans. Funded insurance or other proof of assets can also be considered, provided they serve as retirement provision.
1. Pension system with visa
German immigration law stipulates special pension provisions for workers over the age of 45. The goal is to ensure that these skilled workers are also secure in retirement and will not be dependent on state basic benefits (subsistence security pursuant to Section 5 (1) No. 1 of the Residence Act). Therefore, in certain cases, proof of pension provision must be provided before a work visa is issued.
This not only examines whether the job in Germany is well-paid, but also whether long-term security is guaranteed for employees over the age of 45. Especially for employment contracts with salary limits below the threshold, sufficient retirement provision is essential for successfully completing the visa process.
4. Use pension from abroad for visa
Pension or retirement benefits from abroad can also be accepted for visa applications . It is crucial that they are clearly documented and verifiable. For example, pension benefits from your home country or international insurance policies can be included in the application. The exact amount of retirement benefits required for a work visa in Germany depends on the individual case . However, a general rule of thumb is that at least €250,000 in total, or the corresponding monthly amount, must be available from a foreign pension insurance provider.
For processing, it is helpful if the documents are submitted in German or English , or with a certified translation. This helps applicants avoid delays in the process and increases the chances of a speedy visa approval. Confirmation from a bank or insurance company may also be required.
5. FAQ Pension and Visa
As an employee under 45, do I need a pension plan for a work visa in Germany?
No, this requirement only applies to applicants over 45 years of age.
Do all skilled workers over 45 need a pension?
No, the rule for pensions for employees over 45 years of age only applies in the cases of Sections 18a and 18b of the Residence Act and Section 1 Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance.
Can I use a private pension insurance from my home country for my retirement?
Yes, provided it is documented and traceable.
Which types of pension schemes are eligible for a work visa in Germany?
In principle, retirement provision can be proven in any conceivable way. Common examples include bank assets, insurance, and real estate.
Do self-employed persons (Section 21 of the Residence Act) also have to provide evidence of adequate pension provision in order to obtain a work visa?
In general, the law regarding retirement benefits for self-employed persons is relatively vague, or rather, it doesn't provide for such explicit rules as for work visas (Section 18 (2) No. 5 of the Residence Act/Section 1 (2) of the Employment Ordinance). Nevertheless, most immigration authorities expect older self-employed persons to have an adequate retirement benefit. A lawyer can review whether this is legal in your case.
6. Conclusion Pension and Visa
According to Sections 18a and 18b of the Residence Act and Section 1 (2) of the Employment Regulations (BeschV), a solid retirement plan is a key requirement for employees aged 45 and over to obtain a work visa for Germany (Section 18 (2) No. 5 of the Residence Act). If the required salary threshold is not met, bank assets of over €250,000, insurance, and real estate can be provided as proof. Those who prepare all documents early and can clearly demonstrate their retirement savings will significantly speed up the process. VISAGUARD supports you in maintaining an overview and legally meeting all retirement planning requirements during the visa process.
2. Which workers need a pension for the visa?
An obligation to provide for retirement provision generally applies to the following groups of employees:
all skilled workers according to §§ 18a , 18b AufenthG who are older than 45 years ( § 18 para. 2 no. 5 AufenthG )
Employees under the Western Balkans regulation who are older than 45 years ( Section 1 (2) (1) BeschV )
Visa with professional experience if the applicant is older than 45 years ( Section 1 (2) (1) Employment Ordinance )
Professional drivers and nursing assistants who are older than 45 years ( Section 1 (2) (1) BeschV )
The work visa types listed above require proof of adequate retirement benefits unless there is an exception (see Section 1, Paragraph 2 of the Employment Regulations). These rules do not apply to other work visas (e.g., ICT Card and Blue Card ), as the law automatically assumes retirement benefits through a good salary for other work visas.
You might also be interested in
Further Information
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Hofmann (ed.), Aliens Law, 3rd edition 2023
[2] Kluth/Heusch, BeckOK, Immigration Law, 3rd edition 2025
[3] Administrative instructions for residence in Berlin (VAB), as of 18.02.2025, § 18
This regulation is particularly relevant for applicants who have a job offer in Germany but do not meet the required minimum income of currently €53,130 gross per year (as of 2025). In such cases, comprehensive proof of retirement provision is mandatory. Therefore, if you wish to come to Germany with a work visa pursuant to Sections 18a and b of the Residence Act or Section 1 (2) of the Employment Regulations and are over 45 years old, your salary must be at least €53,130 (or the applicable annual amount pursuant to the Social Security Calculation Regulations ). If you do not meet this salary threshold, you will need to provide other proof of retirement provision to obtain a work visa for Germany.
It is important that the documents are submitted completely and clearly. The immigration authorities often require proof that retirement insurance payouts are possible in Germany . This includes contracts, bank statements, or official certificates verifying the current status of retirement savings. Without this documentation, the immigration authorities will not approve the application. If real estate is used as proof of retirement savings, relevant land register or registry extracts must be submitted.