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Visa professional experience
All information on applying for a visa with professional experience (experience visa, Section 6 BeschV).
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what the visa with professional experience is (§ 6 BeschV)
what requirements the experience visa has
how much professional experience is required
what difficulties there are in applying
1. Visa with professional experience
2. Requirements Section 6 BeschV
2.1 Foreign vocational training
2.2 Two years of professional experience
2.3 Salary § 6 BeschV
3. Necessary documents § 6 BeschV
4. FAQ § 6 Employment Ordinance
5. Conclusion Section 6 Employment Ordinance
1. Visa with professional experience
According to Section 19c Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV), third-country nationals can obtain a residence permit to pursue skilled employment, even if they do not have a professional or university degree recognized in Germany. The prerequisite is that they can provide evidence of foreign professional qualifications and that the employment is at a skilled worker level. The Federal Employment Agency (BA) must approve these cases.
As of March 1, 2024, the scope of Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) was significantly expanded. Since then, employment at the skilled worker level has been permitted in all sectors , as long as the professions are not regulated . Previously, this was only possible for IT professionals (Section 6 of the BeschV, old version). Access is now also open to individuals with qualified professional experience, without the need for recognition by the relevant authorities. A language test is not required.
2. Requirements Section 6 BeschV
2.1 Foreign vocational training
A visa with practical work experience can only be issued if the Federal Employment Agency approves it. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency requires that applicants have completed recognized foreign vocational training of at least two years or hold a recognized university degree. Unlike with other skilled employment , however, the qualification does not require recognition in Germany, but rather recognition abroad. The Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) verifies recognition abroad (so-called "Digital Information on Professional Qualifications" ).
2.2 Two years of professional experience
In addition, at least two years of relevant professional experience must be acquired within the last five years. This professional experience must be at the level of a qualified specialist. It can be acquired in Germany or abroad. Qualified part-time employment will be recognized if the main activity is the same. The work in Germany must also correspond to the level of a qualified specialist, although not all aspects of vocational training are required.
2.3 Salary § 6 BeschV
The salary threshold is 45 percent of the contribution assessment ceiling for general pension insurance ( €43,470 in 2025). This threshold may be waived if the employer is bound by a collective bargaining agreement and the foreign national is employed under the terms of the agreement. Remuneration must be at least equivalent to that of comparable domestic skilled workers (Section 39, Paragraph 3, No. 1 of the Residence Act) . Special salary regulations apply to persons over the age of 45. A priority check is not performed.
3. Necessary documents § 6 BeschV
To verify the above requirements, numerous documents must be submitted to the embassy or immigration office. These include:
CV
recognized training certificates (digital career information)
Employment references
In addition, the general documents required for the issuance of a residence permit must be presented. These include, among other things, a valid passport and a rental agreement. The documents required in individual cases can usually be found on the website of your immigration office or embassy.
4. FAQ
What is the visa with professional experience (§ 6 BeschV)?
It allows third-country nationals to obtain qualified employment in Germany, even without recognition of their foreign professional qualifications in Germany – provided they have relevant professional experience and qualifications.
How much professional experience is necessary for Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance?
At least two years of relevant professional experience within the last five years – full-time or qualified part-time.
Is recognition of the professional qualification required in Germany?
No. It is sufficient if the training is officially recognized in the country of origin (e.g., through the ZAB – Digital Career Information).
What salary limits apply?
In 2025, the salary threshold will be €43,470 gross per year (45% of the contribution assessment ceiling). This threshold may be waived for employees covered by collective agreements.
Is a language test required?
No, no language test is required for the visa according to Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance.
5. Conclusion Section 6 Employment Ordinance
The visa pursuant to Section 6 of the Employment Regulations (BeschV) offers an attractive opportunity for third-country nationals to pursue qualified employment in Germany – even without formal recognition of their foreign professional qualifications in Germany. Recognized vocational training abroad and at least two years of relevant professional experience are crucial. The most recent expansion of the scope of application, effective March 1, 2024, opens access to almost all sectors and makes the visa significantly more flexible. Language tests and priority assessments are no longer required, but approval from the Federal Employment Agency remains required. Those who meet the requirements can benefit from simplified immigration – provided they fully meet the formal requirements and provide all the necessary documentation. In particular, compelling employment references as evidence of professional experience are important here.
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Further Information
Digital information on professional qualifications at the ZAB
Work visa for experienced professionals at make-it-in-germany.de
List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] Offer/Mävers, Employment Ordinance, 2nd edition 2022, §§ 1 ff.
[2] Federal Employment Agency, Technical Instructions on the Residence Act and the Employment Ordinance, BA Central Office, 5731, INT 24, as of: 06/2024, 19c
[3] Section 30 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign Nationals (Employment Ordinance - BeschV) of 6 June 2013 (Federal Law Gazette I p. 1499), last amended by Article 1 of the Ordinance of 7 December 2023 (Federal Law Gazette 2023 I No. 353)