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Glossary: Work visa
Category: Visa & Residence Permits (Residence permit as long-term national D visa or long-term work permit according to § 4 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1, no. 2 AufenthG )
Author: Mirko Vorreuter , LL.B. , Attorney at Law and Specialist Attorney for Immigration Law (License examination via the Federal Official Directory of Lawyers possible)
Image description: The image shows a standardized work visa issued by a German mission abroad (embassies and consulates general) according to the model of Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format . Regulation (EC) No. 1683/95 on a uniform visa format has been transposed into German law by Section 59 of the Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) . The visa stamp is printed in Annex D13a of the Residence Ordinance .
If the work visa is not issued abroad by a German embassy or consulate, but rather domestically by the immigration authorities as an " electronic residence permit (eAT) " pursuant to Section 78 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG ), the template for the work visa is governed by Council Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002 of 13 June 2002 on the uniform format of residence permits for third-country nationals , which is regularly updated. In exceptional cases, the work visa can then also be issued as an adhesive label ("visa sticker") affixed to the passport by the immigration authorities, pursuant to Section 78a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). Unlike the electronic residence permit, the corresponding template for the adhesive label is not regulated under European law in Regulation (EC) No. 1030/2002, but nationally in Annex D14 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) (residence permit pursuant to Section 4 Paragraph 1 Nos. 2 to 4 of the German Residence Act ).
Under “Remarks” (or on the supplementary sheet ), in the case of a work visa, “Section 18 Employment Residence” or a comparable entry must be made (e.g., Residence for Employment ). Under “Remarks,” the extent to which employment is permitted must also be entered (e.g., “Employment permitted as … at …” or simply “Employment permitted”; Section 4a Paragraph 3 Sentence 1 of the Residence Act). The substantive validity period of the visa must also be entered under “Remarks” if it differs from the formal validity period (e.g., due to an expiring passport (“Title substantively valid until …”)). In some cases, further supplementary provisions are entered under “Remarks” at the discretion of the case worker (e.g., conditions of termination in the case of receiving social benefits).
Table of contents
1. What does a work visa look like (picture)?
2. Definition of work visa
3. Who needs a work visa?
4. Example of a work visa
5. Important information about the work visa
5.1 Duration of work visa
5.2 Extension of the work visa
5.3 Costs of a work visa
5.4 Processing time for work visa
5.5 Competent authority for work visas
6. Rights and opportunities regarding work visas
6.1 Work permit with the work visa
6.2 Study, school, language course with a work visa
6.3 Family reunification with a work visa
6.4 Travel and stays abroad with a work visa
6.5 Eligible group of persons for a work visa
7. Requirements for a work visa
8. Required documents for work visa
9. Apply for a work visa online
10. Advantages of a work visa
11. Permanent residence permit with a work visa
11.1 Path from work visa to permanent residence permit
11.2 Path from work visa to naturalization
11.3 Next steps for work visa
12. Legal basis for work visa
13. Important laws regarding work visas
14. Important rulings on work visas
15. Frequently Asked Questions about Work Visas
16. Further information
16.1 Work visa in other glossaries
16.2 Related Topics
16.3 Blog posts about work visas
16.4 Glossary entries for the work visa
16.5 Sources and References Work Visa
Definition of work visa
The work visa pursuant to Sections 18 et seq. of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) (legally correct: residence permit for employment purposes or employment visa; colloquially sometimes referred to simply as a "work permit"; English: work visa/employment visa) is a temporary residence permit for the purpose of engaging in gainful employment (Section 4 of the Residence Act) in Germany. In a narrower sense, the term "work visa" only covers the visa for employment purposes ( Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 1 of the Residence Act ), but not the residence permit for employment purposes (Section 4 Paragraph 1 Sentence 2 No. 2 of the Residence Act). In a broader sense, the term "work visa" encompasses all residence permits for employment purposes, i.e., both the work visa (application from abroad, Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act) and the work residence permit (application from within Germany, Section 7 of the Residence Act ). All skilled worker visas pursuant to Sections 18 et seq. of the Residence Act (including the EU Blue Card pursuant to Section 18g of the Residence Act ) and visas for unskilled employment pursuant to the Employment Ordinance (e.g., Best Friends visas pursuant to Section 26 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance ( USA , Great Britain , Canada , Australia ), the Western Balkans visa (Section 26 Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance), the Experience visa ( Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance ) and the special occupational group visas (Sections 22 et seq. of the Employment Ordinance)) are referred to as work visas.
Terminologically, the term "work visa" must be distinguished from residence permits for self-employment ( § 21 para. 1 of the German Residence Act ) or freelance work ( § 21 para. 5 of the German Residence Act ). The overarching term for work visas, employment visas, and visas for self-employment and freelance work is "labor migration" or "labor visa." Furthermore, the term "work visa" must be distinguished from the so-called " business visa ," which usually refers to short-term business trips under the legal fiction of non-employment ( § 30 of the German Employment Ordinance ). The terminology used in public discourse is inconsistent.
Who needs a work visa?
Every third-country national who wishes to work in Germany requires a visa that permits employment ( § 4a para. 1 of the German Residence Act ). This also applies to nationals who are otherwise permitted to enter Germany visa-free. A work visa is only not required if the activity falls under the scope of the deemed non-employment provisions (e.g., business trips ; § 30 of the German Employment Ordinance ) or in special cases such as diplomats or employees of government organizations . A Schengen visa generally does not authorize work/employment, and working with a Schengen visa is even a criminal offense ( § 95 para. 1a of the German Residence Act ). This does not apply if a Schengen visa was specifically issued for the purpose of employment ( § 6 para. 2 of the German Residence Act ; so-called " Schengen hybrid visa ").
Example: A Brazilian data scientist comes to Germany with a work visa to pursue employment here in accordance with § 18b AufenthG (§ 18b skilled workers with academic training ).
Important information about work visas
Duration of work visa
The work visa in the narrower sense for initial entry pursuant to Section 6 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act ( D visa for employment ) is usually issued for a period of 6 to 12 months (see Visa Handbook ). Residence permits for work purposes are generally issued within Germany for the duration of the employment contract (work visa as a residence permit for work issued by the immigration authorities). If the employment contract is permanent, the work visa is issued for a period of 4 years ( Section 18 Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act). If the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is for a shorter period (e.g., for work visas for seasonal workers), the work visa is issued for the duration of the approval by the Federal Employment Agency plus three months (Section 18 Paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act).
Work visa extension
An extension of the work visa (as a residence permit ) is possible as long as the employment contract remains valid. The extension application can be easily submitted to the immigration office.
Cost of work visa
The fee for issuing a national visa for employment purposes (category "D") is €75, and for extending a national visa (category "D") it is €25 (§ 45 para. 2 of the German Residence Ordinance). If the work visa is applied for in Germany at the immigration office (work visa as a residence permit), the fee is €100 (§ 45 no. 1 of the German Residence Ordinance). Legal fees, potential court costs , and translation and authentication costs may also apply, depending on the specific case.
Work visa processing time
Work visa applications are generally given priority by German embassies and consulates and immigration authorities upon initial issuance, as labor migration to Germany (from most countries) is encouraged. However, the processing time depends significantly on whether approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required and whether professional qualifications need to be officially recognized . The average processing time is typically between one and four months, depending on the issuing authority and the quality of the submitted documents. The processing time for work visa applications can be further expedited through the skilled worker procedure under Section 81a of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) if the work visa is to be issued to a skilled worker . Obtaining preliminary approval from the Federal Employment Agency can also expedite the process. After three months, an action for failure to act can be filed to expedite the work visa application ( Section 75 of the German Administrative Court Procedure Act (VwGO )).
Competent authority for work visas
For the issuance of a D visa for work purposes, the German missions abroad authorized by the Federal Foreign Office are responsible, in accordance with Section 71 Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). If the work visa is to be applied for domestically (residence permit for work/employment purposes), the immigration authorities are responsible (Section 71 Paragraph 1 AufenthG). The Federal Employment Agency is responsible for granting the often necessary internal approval ( labor market access test ; Section 39 AufenthG ). For internal recognition in skilled worker procedures , either the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or the designated state offices are responsible. The central immigration authorities (ZABH) are responsible for the accelerated skilled worker procedure .
Rights and opportunities regarding a work visa
Work permit work visa
The work visa entitles the holder to the employment for which it is issued (so-called employer commitment). The scope of permitted employment is specified in the supplementary provisions (“Remarks” on the plastic card or in the so-called supplementary sheet). Other employment is generally not permitted with a work visa (see Section 4a Paragraph 2 of the German Residence Act ). If a different activity is to be pursued with the work visa, a change of employer must be applied for beforehand. Self-employment (gainful employment) is generally not permitted with a work visa, unless it is allowed in the supplementary provisions (“Remarks” on the plastic card or in the supplementary sheet) (this is sometimes the case, for example, in Berlin).
Studies , school , language course, work visa
Attending university, school, and language courses is possible with any residence permit, including work visas . No separate permit is required.
Family reunification work visa
Family reunification with the holder of a work visa is generally always possible ( § 29 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). However, this depends primarily on the type of work visa. Reunification of minor children with the holder of a work visa is almost always possible (see § 32 para. 1 no. 1 of the German Residence Act ). In the case of skilled work visas, even parental and stepparent reunification with an adult child is possible if the skilled work visa was issued after March 1, 2024 (see § 36 para. 3 of the German Residence Act ).
Travel and stays abroad: work visa
Entry to and exit from Germany with a work visa is straightforward as long as the visa is valid . A certificate of fictitious residence is required for travel with an expired work visa. Stays abroad are permitted for up to six months with a work visa ( § 51 para. 10 of the German Residence Act ), unless it is an EU Blue Card (in which case the limit is 12 months). However, the work visa also expires before the six-month period if the departure is for a non-temporary reason (§ 51 para. 1 no. 6 of the German Residence Act). The strongest indication of a non-temporary reason for departure is the deregistration of one's residence (so-called registration gap).
Eligible group of people for a work visa
All non-European foreigners (third-country nationals) are eligible to obtain a work visa . As a general rule, a recognized formal qualification is required for a work visa (principle of skilled worker immigration ; Section 18 Paragraph 2 No. 4 of the German Residence Act ). However, there are numerous exceptions to this rule:
Work visas can be applied for by certain privileged nationals (“ Best Friends States ” according to § 26 para. 1 BeschV )
Work visas can be used for intra-group secondments ( ICT card , Section 19 of the Residence Act )
Work visas can be applied for from the Western Balkans ( Western Balkans Regulation , Section 26 Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance)
Work visas can be applied for by CEOs and other senior managers ( § 3 BeschV )
Work visas can be applied for by numerous specific occupational groups (Sections 22 et seq. of the Employment Ordinance).
Work visas can be applied for as so-called “ experience visas ” with professional experience ( § 6 BeschV )
Work visas can be applied for after 2 years of labor market access (so-called “ Open Work Visa ”, Section 9 of the Employment Ordinance ).
Work visas can be applied for for short-term seasonal assignments ( short-term quota employment , § 15d BeschV )
Work visas can be issued for short-term assignments (e.g. Vander-Elst visa ( § 21 BeschV ))
Persons entitled to freedom of movement (especially EU citizens) do not need a work visa to come to Germany and work here. The same applies to persons who are only in Germany for a business trip , a trade fair visit, or for training courses, seminars, or conferences ( fiction of non-employment according to § 30 BeschV ).
Requirements for a work visa
The requirements for work visas vary considerably depending on the type of work visa being applied for. These specific requirements for issuing work visas are, in most cases, based on qualifications (e.g., skilled or unskilled work ), nationality (e.g., work visa for US citizens or Western Balkan visa ), or occupation (e.g., cook or journalist ). However, the following requirements must be met for every work visa:
[Erfüllung der besonderen Voraussetzungen z.B. anerkannte Qualifikation, bestimmte Staatsangehörigkeit oder bestimmter Beruf nach der BeschV]
Arbeitsvertrag mit deutschem Unternehmen (inländisches Beschäftigungsverhältnis) und keine Leiharbeit nach dem AÜG (§ 40 Abs. 1 AufenthG)
Zustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit falls erforderlich und Rechtmäßigkeit des Arbeitsvertrages (z.B. hinsichtlich Urlaub, Arbeitszeiten und Pausenregelungen; § 39 AufenthG)
Ausreichendes Mindestgehalt nach dem Entgeltatlas (§ 39 Abs. 2 S. 1 Nr. 1 AufenthG) und sogenannte “Vorrangprüfung” (meist nicht mehr erforderlich)
Keine speziellen Ablehnungsgründe (z.B. § 10 AufenthG oder § 19f AufenthG bei humanitären Schutz) und keine Erlöschensgründe (§ 51 AufenthG) vorhanden
Plausibilität und Konsistenz der Angaben und des Arbeitsverhältnisses (keine Scheinarbeit und keine unzuverlässigen Arbeitgeber, § 40 Abs. 2 AufenthG)
Antragsteller und Arbeitgeber versichern, dass die Tätigkeit auch tatsächlich ausgeübt werden soll (Vermeidung von Scheinbeschäftigungen, § 18 Abs. 2 Nr. 4a AufenthG)
Gültiger Pass und gesicherte Identität (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 1a, Nr. 3 AufenthG)
Keine andauernden Ermittlungen/kein anhängiges Strafverfahren gegen den Antragsteller (siehe § 79 Abs. 2 AufenthG)
Kein Ausweisungsinteresse (keine negativen AZR/SIS/VIS-Einträge), keine Sicherheitsgefahr, keine Vorstrafen (§ 5 Abs. 1 Nr. 2, Nr. 3 AufenthG) und keine Einreisesperre (§ 11 AufenthG)
Bei Erstbeantragung als Aufenthaltserlaubnis im Inland: Legale Ersteinreise mit Visum gemäß § 5 Abs. 2 AufenthG (wenn nicht Best-Friends-Staatsangehöriger, § 41 AufenthV)
The requirements for a work visa are met by providing the relevant documents. The legality of the employment contract and the salary play a particularly important role here, as both are reviewed by the Federal Employment Agency in a separate internal approval process (see Section 39 of the Residence Act ).
Required documents: Work visa
The documents required for a work visa depend primarily on the type of work visa being applied for and the country where the visa is being applied for. Experience shows that applying for work visas in Western countries is generally much less restrictive than in North Africa or Central Asia. In some countries, the requirements for the plausibility of certain documents are even excessively stringent, to prevent the misuse of work visas in sham employment relationships .
In most cases, a work visa requires at least the following documents:
Qualifikationsnachweis gemäß § 18 Abs. 2 Nr. 4 AufenthG: Fachkräfte müssen ihren Abschluss nachweisen (anabin oder Anerkennungsverfahren); Arbeitsvisa nach der BeschV benötigen einen Nachweis der Arbeitserfahrung; der Qualifikationsnachweis entfällt, wenn ein Visum für Best-Friends-Staatsangehörige oder das Westbalkanvisum beantragt wird
Antragsformular Arbeitsvisum (VIDEX-Formular oder Online-Formular im Auslandsportal bei Beantragung als Visum im Ausland; bei Antrag als Aufenthaltserlaubnis bei der Ausländerbehörde spezifisch je nach Behörde (z.B. Kontaktformular oder Terminbuchung))
Erklärung zur Durchführung oder Nichtdurchführung eines beschleunigten Fachkräfteverfahrens
Erklärung über die Absicht der Durchführung der Beschäftigung § 18 Abs. 2 Nr. 4a AufenthG (Vermeidung von Scheinbeschäftigung)
Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis inklusive Stellenbeschreibung oder Vorabzustimmung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (§ 18 Abs. 2 Nr. 3 AufenthG)
Rechtmäßiger Arbeitsvertrag oder konkretes Arbeitsplatzangebot (§ 18 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 AufenthG)
Wohnsitznachweis (Meldebescheinigung bei Beantragung im Inland als Aufenthaltserlaubnis oder anderer Nachweis bei Beantragung im Ausland als Visum)
Nachweis Identität, Staatsangehörigkeit und Reisebefugnis: Pass; in manchen Ländern sind zusätzliche Nachweise wie Geburtsurkunden, Registrierungsbescheinigungen oder ID-Karten aus dem Heimatland erforderlich
Nachweis Lebensunterhaltssicherung (Krankenversicherung): Krankenversicherungsbestätigung in Deutschland (Reisekrankenversicherung ist für ein Arbeitsvisum nicht ausreichend)
Sonstige Formalia:
Nur bei Beantragung mit Bevollmächtigtem (z.B. Rechtsanwalt): Vollmacht
bei Beantragung als Visum in einem Land, das nicht das Heimatland ist: gültiger Aufenthaltstitel des jeweiligen Landes
Gebühren für den Aufenthaltstitel
Lichtbild (Passfoto) das den Normen der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 1683/95 entspricht; siehe dazu auch Musterbilder des Auswärtigen Amts
Abhängig von der Behörde: Datenschutzerklärung/Zustimmung zur Datenverarbeitung
The required documents for the D visa are usually listed on the English version of the website of the German embassy or consulate (see, for example, information sheets on work visas for the USA , work visas for the UK , work visas for Canada , and work visas for Australia ).
Arbeitsvisum online beantragen
Ob ein Arbeitsvisum online beantragt werden kann, hängt maßgeblich davon ab, ob die jeweilige Auslandsvertretung im Auslandsportal des Auswärtigen Amts freigeschaltet ist. Ob dies der Fall ist kann über die folgenden Links geprüft werden:
Arbeitsvisum als Fachkraft-Visum gemäß § 18b online beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Fachkraft-Visum gemäß § 18a online beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Erfahrungs-Visum (§ 6 BeschV) online beantragen
Das Auslandsportal bietet weitere Möglichkeiten des Online-Antrags, falls die entsprechende Botschaft im Auslandsportal freigeschaltet ist. Sollte dies nicht der Fall sein, wird das Arbeitsvisum im Visumtermin beantragt. Das Arbeitsvisum kann jedoch auch per Post oder E-Mail beantragt werden, wenn keine Termine verfügbar sind und das VIDEX-Onlineformular für D-Visa an die Botschaft geschickt wird.
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung (§ 18a) in Berlin beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Hamburg beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung (§ 6 BeschV) in München beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Düsseldorf beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Karlsruhe beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Frankfurt am Main beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Stuttgart beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung nach der BeschV in Magdeburg beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Leipzig beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Mainz beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung (§ 18a) in Hannover beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Ludwigsburg beantragen
Arbeitsvisum als Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Beschäftigung in Marburg beantragen
Advantages of a work visa
A work visa has the following advantages:
Staying in Germany and entering Germany is possible.
Studying or taking a language course is possible in Germany.
Direct access to the German labor market and social security through the German pension and health system.
Working in Germany is possible (but be aware of employer ties).
The family may be brought to Germany under certain circumstances.
Conversion to a permanent residence permit is possible ( § 9 AufenthG ).
Simpler naturalization options compared to other residence permits.
The path from work visa to permanent residence permit
A work visa can be converted into a residence permit in several ways, depending on the type of work visa:
Blue Card as a work visa: Conversion to a permanent residence permit is possible after 21-27 months ( § 18c para. 2 AufenthG )
Skilled workers with work visas : Conversion to a permanent residence permit is possible after 36 months ( § 18c para. 1 AufenthG )
Settlement permit for successful self-employed individuals : Application for a settlement permit is possible after 36 months (§ 21 para. 4 sentence 2 AufenthG)
Exceptional individual cases requiring high qualifications (hardly relevant in practice, as the legal requirements are very strict): Granting of a residence permit at discretion ( § 18c para. 3 AufenthG )
Other cases of applying for a residence permit with a work visa: Conversion possible after 5 years (§§ 9, 9a AufenthG)
The conversion of a work visa into a permanent residence permit varies depending on the type of work visa, but in principle, all permanent residence permits require German language skills, a certain minimum period of residence, and successful integration (see Section 9 of the German Residence Act ). In most cases, it is also necessary that the applicant still holds their job and possesses all the necessary professional licenses (see Section 18c Paragraph 1 of the German Residence Act ).
The path from work visa to naturalization
Naturalization with a work visa is theoretically possible, since Section 10 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 Number 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG) requires not a residence permit , but only a "residence title," and a work visa is a residence title according to Section 4 of the Residence Act. However, there are hardly any practically relevant situations in which a visa directly entitles the holder to naturalization . In most cases, conversion to a residence permit for work purposes ( Sections 18 et seq. of the Residence Act ) is first required.
Next steps for work visa
First, check whether your degree is recognized or whether you need a recognized degree for your work visa . Next, verify whether your employment contract meets the required salary threshold according to the Salary Atlas (or the EU Blue Card ). If so, you must have your employer complete the employment declaration form. Then, research whether the work visa application must be submitted via the international portal or , for long-term applications, using the VIDEX form at the embassy appointment. Afterward, gather the necessary documents (a list is usually available on the embassy website) and submit them via the international portal or at your visa appointment . Once the visa is granted, you can enter Germany and begin the requested work. Our lawyers will be happy to advise you on the specific requirements and assist you with the application process. → Book an appointment
Legal basis for work visa
The legal basis for the vast majority of work visas is Section 18 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and the following sections, or rather the entirety of Section 4 of the Residence Act ( residence for the purpose of gainful employment ). In the case of work without a recognized qualification, the legal basis for the work permit is Section 19c of the Residence Act in conjunction with the relevant provision of the Employment Ordinance (e.g., Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 18 of the Residence Act for the journalist visa). In the case of the Blue Card and the ICT Card as work visas, there are additional legal bases under European law ( Directive (EU) 2021/1883 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2021 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment and repealing Council Directive 2009/50/EC ( EU Blue Card ) and Directive 2014/66/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for intra-corporate transfers ( ICT Card )). In a broader sense, administrative regulations in the field of labor migration law also constitute legal bases for a work visa (in particular the Federal Employment Agency's Technical Instructions on the Residence Act and the Employment Ordinance ).
Important rulings on work visas
The most important rulings regarding work visas are the following:
The employment permit is a supplementary provision in a broader sense ( Administrative Court Munich (4th Chamber), decision of 06.04.2021 – M 4 S 20.3996, M 4 K 20.3992 ).
The work permit is an independent, favorable administrative act (see VGH Baden-Württemberg, judgment of July 10, 2017 - 11 S 695/17 ).
In principle, a foreigner is only allowed to engage in gainful employment if he or she holds a residence permit (§ 4a para. 1 sentence 1 AufenthG) (VG Chemnitz (6th Chamber), decision of 18.07.2022 – 6 L 223/22).
A prerequisite for granting an employment permit is that, after the applicant's presentation, it is clear what specific employment is being sought (Administrative Court Munich (10th Chamber), decision of 17.08.2021 – M 10 E 21.4197).
The possibility of granting a residence permit for the purpose of employment pursuant to Section 18 Paragraph 4 Sentence 2 of the Residence Act applies only to employments that require qualified vocational training ( Higher Administrative Court of Hamburg, decision of June 30, 2008 – 5 Bs 86/08 ).
The mere interest of a private entrepreneur in hiring does not, in principle, constitute a public interest in the employment of the foreigner within the meaning of Section 18 IV Sentence 2 of the Residence Act ( OVG Münster, decision of 17.11.2006 - 18 B 613/06 ).
Section 9 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV ) concerns the consolidation of residence status through official admission to the German labor market. The exemption from the requirement of consent under Section 9 BeschV does not apply to holders of a residence permit that legally entitles them to employment (e.g., family reunification ) ( Federal Administrative Court, judgment of August 21, 2018, BVerwG 1 C 22.17, para. 24 ).
Vocational training qualifications are only considered equivalent if the equivalence has been established by the competent authority in a recognition procedure (VG Bremen, judgment of 04.11.2021, 4 K 2794/19).
Frequently asked questions about work visas
How do you get a work visa?
To obtain a work visa, the most important requirement is a concrete job offer or a signed employment contract from an employer in Germany (§ 18 para. 2 no. 1 of the German Residence Act). Another important criterion is that the Federal Employment Agency has approved the employment (§ 39 of the German Residence Act). As a skilled worker, you must also prove that your qualification acquired abroad (studies or vocational training) is recognized in Germany or at least comparable (§ 18 para. 2 no. 4 of the German Residence Act). The process usually begins at the German embassy or consulate in your home country, where you submit the visa application along with the employment contract, your qualification certificates, and a declaration of employment. If you already have a residence permit (or if you are a citizen of a "best friends" country and are allowed to enter Germany visa-free under § 41 of the German Residence Ordinance and apply for a residence permit in Germany), the work visa can also be applied for as a residence permit in Germany.
How long is a work visa valid for?
A visa for entry and employment is usually issued by the embassy for a period of six to twelve months. After arrival, you must convert this visa into a longer-term residence permit at the local immigration office. This is generally issued for the duration of the employment contract plus a three-month buffer, but for a maximum of four years at a time (§ 18 para. 4 German Residence Act). An extension is possible thereafter, provided the employment relationship continues. Extensions are generally granted much more readily than initial permits.
How much do you have to earn to get a work visa?
Salary limits for work visas are adjusted annually and depend on the type of visa. Some residence permits (e.g., EU Blue Card or the experience visa) have fixed salary limits based on the values defined in the Social Security Calculation Parameters Ordinance. In all other cases, the required salary for a visa depends on what an average domestic worker in that position would earn (prohibition of discrimination/protection against wage dumping pursuant to Section 39 Paragraph 2 Sentence 1 No. 1 of the German Residence Act). This figure varies for each profession and each federal state. The required salary can be researched in these cases using the publicly accessible salary atlas of the Federal Employment Agency. In addition to consulting the salary atlas, it is always essential to ensure that the salary is sufficient to cover living expenses, as this is a general requirement for the issuance of any residence permit (Section 5 Paragraph 1 No. 1 of the German Residence Act).
Work visa in other glossaries
The D visa can also be found in the following glossaries:
Work visa in Prado - Public online register of genuine identity and travel documents
Labour migration in the glossary of the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb)
Labour migration in the glossary of the Expert Council on Migration and Integration (SVR)
Klaus Weber in Weber, Legal Dictionary: Skilled Immigration Act, 34th edition 2025
Christian Kallos in Weber, Legal Dictionary: Foreign Workers, 34th Edition 2025
Quellen und Einzelnachweise zum Arbeitsvisum
(Behördenressourcen und Literatur)
[1] Verwaltungsanweisungen zum Aufenthalt in Berlin (VAB), Stand 18.02.2025, § 18
[6] Visumhandbuch, Anerkennung ausländischer Berufsqualifikationen, Stand 06/2024
[7] BeckOK AuslR/Breidenbach, 46. Ed. 1.10.2024, AufenthG § 18 Rn. 1-55
[8] BeckOK MigR/Hänsle, 24. Ed. 1.1.2026, AufenthG § 18 Rn. 1-45
[9] Bergmann/Dienelt/J. Nusser, Kommentar zum Ausländerrecht, 15. Aufl. 2025, AufenthG § 18
[10] Erbs/Kohlhaas/Hadamitzky/Senge, Strafrechtliche Nebengesetze (AufenthG), 259. EL Oktober 2025, § 18
[11] NK-AuslR/Hocks/Leuschner, 3. Aufl. 2023, AufenthG § 18
[12] Dippe in Huber/Mantel, Aufenthaltsgesetz/Asylgesetz, 4. Aufl. 2025, AufenthG § 18
[13] Eichenhofer in Huber/Eichenhofer/Endres de Oliveira AufenthaltsR | Teil 1. Aufenthaltsgesetz Rn. 320-322 | 2. Auflage 2025, a) Zustimmungserfordernis zur Beschäftigung (§ 39 AufenthG)
[14] Hornung in Kluth/Hornung/Koch ZuwanderungsR-HdB | § 4 Aufenthalt (Voraussetzungen, Aufenthaltszwecke, Integration) Rn. 241-244 | 4. Auflage 2025, b) Grundlagen der Erwerbsmigration
[15] Friederike Wapler in Lisken/Denninger/Bäcker, Handbuch des Polizeirechts, Kap. 8 Gefahrenabwehr durch Ordnungsverwaltung Rn. 56-61 | 8. Auflage 2026, bb) Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Zweck der Erwerbstätigkeit
[16] Koch in Schaub ArbR-HdB | § 27. Beschäftigung von ausländischen Arbeitnehmern in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland Rn. 11 | 21. Auflage 2025, bb) Allgemeine Voraussetzungen für die Erteilung von Aufenthaltstiteln zur Beschäftigungsaufnahme
[17] Kluth: Migrationsagenda 2026, Aufsatz von Kluth, ZAR 2026, 1
[18] Fachkräfteeinwanderung – Game Over für Triple Win?, Aufsatz von Dr. Sebastian Klaus, Dr. Holger Kolb, ZRP 2025, 187
[19] Klaus: Immigration Compliance als Arbeitgeberaufgabe, Aufsatz von Klaus, ZAR 2025, 299
[20] Gesetz zur Weiterentwicklung der Fachkräfteeinwanderung – Neuregelungen zum 1.6.2024, Aufsatz von Dr. Gunther Mävers, ArbRAktuell 2024, 562
[21] Oelfke: Verfahrensbeschleunigung bei der Fachkräfteeinwanderung – das BfAA als Teil der Lösung, Aufsatz von Oelfke, ZAR 2024, 320
[22] Offer/Mastmann: Aktuelle Fragestellungen zur Blauen Karte EU nach den Rechtsänderungen am 18.11.2023, Aufsatz von Offer, Mastmann, ZAR 2024, 16
[23] Rechtliche Hürden der ausländischen Fachkräftegewinnung, Aufsatz von Lukas Beismann, NJW-Spezial 2023, 370
[24] Uznanski: Die Fachkräftesäule des Gesetzes zur Weiterentwicklung der Fachkräfteeinwanderung – „good on paper“?, Aufsatz von Uznanski, ZAR 2023, 187
[25] Klaus/Kolb: Beschäftigung nicht nur für Fachkräfte: das Gesetz und die Verordnung zur [26] Weiterentwicklung der Fachkräfteeinwanderung, Aufsatz von Klaus, Kolb, ZAR 2023, 194
[27] Das Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz 1.1, Aufsatz von Bettina Offer, ZRP 2023, 101
[28] Mehr Fortschritt im Arbeitsmigrationsrecht dringend notwendig: reines Wagen genügt nicht, Aufsatz von Dr. Sebastian Klaus, NJOZ 2022, 129
[29] Klaus/Hammer: Ermessensentscheidungen bei der Erteilung von Aufenthaltstiteln in Fällen der Erwerbsmigration, Aufsatz von Klaus, Hammer, ZAR 2020, 2
[30] „So geht Einwanderungsland“: Zentralisierung, Automatisierung, Konsolidierung und Harmonisierung, Aufsatz von Dr. Sebastian Klaus, Dr. Gunther Mävers, Bettina Offer, ZRP 2018, 197
[31] Arbeitsrechtliche Aspekte im Arbeitsmigrationsrecht, Aufsatz von Dr. Gunther Mävers, ArbRAktuell 2018, 4
[32] Kolb/Fellmer: Vom ‚Bremser‘ zum ‚Heizer‘? Deutschlands europäische Arbeitsmigrationspolitik, Aufsatz von Kolb, Fellmer, ZAR 2015, 105
[33] Breidenbach/Neundorf: Arbeitsmarktzugangsrechte von Drittstaatsangehörigen unter Berücksichtigung von Neuerungen in Gesetzgebung und Rechtsprechung, Aufsatz von Breidenbach, Neundorf, ZAR 2014, 227
[34] Breidenbach: Die neuere Rechtsprechung zum Arbeitsmarktzugang von Drittstaatsangehörigen, Aufsatz von Breidenbach, ZAR 2010, 385
[35] Feldgen: Das neue Ausländerbeschäftigungsrecht – Zugang zum Arbeitsmarkt für Drittstaatsangehörige, Aufsatz von Feldgen, ZAR 2006, 168
Last updated: January 30, 2026
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