Work Permit in Germany

Why is a Work Permit Needed?

If you plan to shift to Germany for a new career, a German work visa is mandatory. This
legal document offered by the German Immigration Authority Office (Auslanderbehorde)
allows you to work in the country. According to the applicant’s respective job contracts, the
Germany work permit allows foreigners to stay and work in the country for a certain period.

About Germany Job Market

Number of Expats in Germany: 250,000

Expat Job Websites: expatica.com, expat.com, expatrio.com, expatjobseeker.de

Popular industry for ex-pats:

● Software developer and programmer

● Healthcare workers, nurse
● IT consultant and analyst
● Electrical engineer, civil engineer, mechanical engineer
● Production manager and assistant
● Sales manager, sales assistant, sales representative
● Account manager and consultants
● Data analyst
● Scientists
● Doctors
● Architect

Types of German Work Visas Available

If you are a resident of these countries, you can work in Germany without a Germany work
visa:

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. EU or EEA
4. Israel
5. Japan
6. Newzealand
7. Republic of Korea
 8. Switzerland
9. USA

All you have to do is register your residence proof with a valid passport.

People from Australia, Newzealand, South Korea, Israel, Canada, or the USA do not even
require any previous job offers for entering Germany.

However, people from all other countries must have a German work visa to work there.

Germany work visa types are based on several factors including qualifications and job deals.
They are:

1. Temporary residents permits

After finding a job in Germany, you must first apply for a residence permit as it is a
necessary document for all. The Federal Employment Agency (BA) will provide it, and its
validity is based on the employment contract you have signed. For example, if the contract is
for three years, you will get validation for three years. Moreover, you can prolong your
residence permit as long as you want as per your employment contracts.

2. EU blue card

The EU blue card is another version of the Germany work visa. But only a small group of
highly skilled foreigners from non-EU countries can apply for this. However, people with
higher degrees such as a Masters or PhDs in science, technology, mathematics are more
likely to have an EU blue card as a work permit document in Germany.

This visa comes with a validity of four years; however, if one continues with their previous
jobs they get a chance to obtain permanent residence after 33 months.

3. Permanent residence permit

The permanent residence permit or the settlement permit allows one to stay in Germany as
long as they want. But to obtain this type of permit, you must have proof stating that you
have worked for a minimum five years in a job that is approved by the Federal Employment
Agency (BA). In addition, you have to also prove that you know advanced-level German
language.

Foreigner workers who have five years of experience in Germany and can prove that they
know advanced-level German can stay in Germany with a permanent residence permit as
long as they want.

4. Work permit for freelancers

This century is full of freelancers, and if you are one of them, you can apply for the Germany
work permit showing proof of your clients and the contracts.

Requirements for a Germany Work Visa

Germany work visa is an essential document for the residents of non-EU countries (except
the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel). To obtain one, here
are a few steps to follow :

1. Firstly, find a job for yourself.

2. Submit your application for a work visa to the German embassy
3. Enter to Germany and ask for your work or residence permit from

Or you can simply apply for a job seeker visa if you haven't yet got a job there. Hence, after
finding the job, you can go for a work permit to the German Immigration Authority Office or
Auslanderbehorde.

Germany Work Permit Application Process

a. There are two types of Germany work permits available for foreigners based on their
job offers: work visa and job seeker visa. To apply for a work visa, you should already
have a job offer from a German company. If not, then go for a job seeker visa. A job
seeker visa allows you to stay in Germany for six months to find a job, and then you
can apply for a residence or work permit.

Here, the German Embassy will allow you to find a job to settle down and work there.
However, keep in mind that you have to apply for a residence permit before your visa
crosses the limit of 6 months.

b. Registration of your current address

Once you arrange for accommodation in Germany, you have to go to the Local
Residence Registration office (Burgeramt) to register your address details. After that,
you can contact the local citizen's office (Burgeramt) or go for "Burgeramt + name of
your city" on the internet.

Fill the form there and download a physical copy of the application. Now you have to
be present on your appointment date at Burgeramt with the following documents,

● An agreement of your rental process along with a confirmation from the landlord and
the passport.
 They will give you the residence registration documents you'll need to apply for the
work residence permit at the German Immigration Authority Office
(Auslanderbehorde).

c. Find health insurance.

Seek health insurance from any private companies as initially, you'll not get public
health insurance. Remember that there are several companies for different areas.
Find out which one you should go with your health insurance and address
registration papers.

They will confirm your online application for appointment by sending an email with
the respective time, date, address, and serial number.

d. Making an appointment at the German Immigration Authority Office

(Auslanderbehorde)

Once you register your address and obtain health insurance, it's time to make an
appointment at the Auslanderbehorde. There are different offices based on your
locality. Therefore, make sure you check on the internet about your nearest
Auslanderbehorde.

e. Documents you require for a residence permit.

The following documents are needed for getting a residence permit:

1. The passport
2. Passport size pictures with ICAO visa picture guidelines (International Civil Aviation
Organization)
3. The job contract papers that furnishes all the information about the job duration
4. Salary and the position in the company
5. The address registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
6. One written confirmation letter from your landlord together with rental contract
papers.
7. Original Certificates of your university or diploma courses
8. Proof of your health insurance. If it is from a private company, don't forget to submit
the details and the certificate that proves your contribution to your field.
9. Your resume or CV
10. A cover letter that consists of your introduction that follows the reason for your
Germany work permit application
11. An employment declaration from the German Federal Agency for Work website to
ensure employment relationship with the company you got a job

Timeframe for Work Permit Application

Generally, it takes around one to three months to complete the process of getting a Germany
work visa. So, it is always better to apply for your work permit visa well in advance to avoid
any delay.

Germany Work Permit Fees

The Germany work visa cost is approximately €75. Nevertheless, don't forget to discuss this
matter with your nearby German embassy, as you can get some omissions based on your
position.

This is how Multiplier can help with a German Work Permit.

As a global EOR firm, we help multinational corporate companies in over 150+ countries
onboard new employees. Our Saas-based solution will help you in every single step from the
start to end without any hassle.
Moreover, we offer a one-stop solution for the long and tedious process of obtaining a
Germany work visa from scratch. Our experts track all the process details (checklist, costs,
documents) on your behalf and keep you updated about every development in the visa
process.

Frequently Asked Questions

● What is a German Work Permit?

A Germany work visa is a document that allows foreigners to stay in the country and work
with German companies legally.

● Can I extend my Work Permit?

Yes, it is possible to extend your Germany work permit as many times as you want if you
have a duly signed contract with your German company.

● Can Work Permit holders apply for permanent residency in Germany?

Yes! German work permit holders who have five years of experience in Germany and know
the German language well can apply for a permanent residency in Germany.