Every year Germany welcomes foreigners seeking job opportunities in the country, if you have the required skills, you can move to Germany for employment purposes. Germany is a great place to live and work because it has a strong economy (which means there are a lot of job opportunities), an interesting culture, and a good quality of life.
Beyond its economic might, the country has many visa options that allow foreign workers with the right skills to live and work here. Among its numerous employment visas is the German employment visa which is popular among foreign workers seeking employment in Germany.
In this post, we will look at how you can move to Germany for work through the German employment visa, what you need to do to get there, and what it’s like to live and work in this interesting country.
What is a German Employment Visa?
A German employment visa, also known as a National Visa, is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and work in Germany legally for a specified period.
The employment visa is different from the popular Schengen Visa, which allows short-term stays for tourism, business, or family visits. The German Employment Visa is tailored to individuals seeking employment or professional opportunities in Germany.
What are the types of work visas in Germany?
There are several types of German Employment Visas, each designed for specific purposes. The most common categories include:
- Job seeker visa: This is for individuals seeking employment in Germany. It grants a six-month stay to find a job.
- Work visa: The work visa is for those who have already secured a job offer in Germany, this visa allows you to work legally.
- EU Blue card: Targeted at highly skilled non-EU nationals, this visa offers a simplified entry and work process in Germany.
- Freelance visa: If you plan to work as a self-employed individual or a freelancer, you can apply for this visa.
How to apply for a German employment visa
If this is your first time applying for a German employment visa, it can be a complex process, but if you follow this guide, you will find it easy.
Check your visa type
If you are ready to get started, the first step you should take is to consider which specific type of German Employment Visa suits your situation
As we said before, you have the Job Seeker Visa, Work Visa, EU Blue Card, and Freelance Visa. Check to know which one is best for your situation.
Prepare required documents
Once you decide on the type of employment visa that suits your circumstances, you need to gather all the required documents for the visa. Every German visa has specific documents required from you during your application.
These documents include:
- A valid passport (with at least two blank pages).
- Completed visa application form (this is available on the website of the German embassy or consulate in your home country).
- Passport-sized photos (according to German visa photo specifications).
- Proof of employment or job offer, including a detailed job contract.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Cover letter explaining your purpose and plans in Germany.
- Educational qualifications (diplomas, certificates).
- Proof of sufficient funds or a blocked bank account (at least €8,640 for a Job Seeker Visa).
- Health insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Germany.
- Proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Police clearance certificate (if required).
- Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Visa fee payment receipt.
If you have all these documents, then you are ready to apply.
Schedule an appointment
German embassy in some countries offers online visa applications while in other countries, you need to book an appointment online and then visit the visa application center in person to start your application.
The embassy’s operations are different in every country, so you need to be sure of how they operate in your country. Check their website for details. If you need to schedule an appointment, you can contact them to schedule a visa appointment.
Attend the visa interview
Depending on your situation, you may need to attend a visa interview, on the scheduled date, be punctual, and bring all required documents with you.
During the interview, you will be asked questions about your plans in Germany, your job, and your financial situation. Answer the questions correctly and be very honest. Avoid making false claims.
Pay the visa fee
You need to also pay the applicable visa fee. The fee can vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. Check the embassy’s website for the exact fee amount and accepted payment methods.
Wait for processing
After submitting your application and attending the interview, you need to wait for the visa processing to be completed. This can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.
You can track the status of your visa application through the embassy’s website or by contacting them.
Collect your visa
Once your visa is approved, you will be notified by the embassy. Collect your passport with the visa stamp from the embassy or consulate in person.
Travel to Germany
With your German Employment Visa in hand, you are now authorized to enter Germany. Make sure to arrive in Germany before the visa’s expiration date.
Register your residence
Within a specified timeframe after you arrive in Germany, you must register your residence with the local authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt).
Acquiring a German Employment Visa comes with numerous advantages.
- Legal work authorization: It allows you to work in Germany legally and pursue your career goals.
- Access to social benefits: With your visa, you can gain from social benefits offered by the German government like healthcare and education.
- Residence permit: You can convert your German Employment Visa into a long-term residence permit or permanent residency.
- Travel in the Schengen Area: With a German Employment Visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for short trips.
Conditions to maintain your German employment visa
To maintain your German Employment Visa, you must adhere to certain conditions:
- Employment: You must work in the job specified on your visa and report any changes to the authorities.
- Health insurance: Maintain valid health insurance coverage throughout your stay in Germany.
- Residence registration: Register your residence with the local authorities within a specified timeframe.
- Renewal: Be aware of your visa’s expiration date and apply for renewal if necessary.
Conclusion
Frankly, the process of getting a German employment visa can be daunting especially if it’s your first trial.
It’s lengthy and the processing time can last for months. You need to be patient and ensure you submit all required documents during your application. The German authorities reject visa applications over the least possible reasons so you need to be thorough with your application and obey every instruction in the application guideline.
