Germany gives you different types of options to ger work visas. There are many ways to get it even if you are not highly qualified.
Through a degree qualification as a highly qualified person or even having a vocational qualification can lead you to a successful career in Germany. Students after completing their studies can also get a work visa after completing their degree.
1- Work visa through a degree qualification
Having a university degree can earn you a work visa of Germany leading to PR. For doing so, one must have the following:
- A recognized academic university degree or any qualification comparable to Germany university qualification. You may check further requirements here to apply for a comparability report.
- Job offer from an employer in Germany related to your qualifications.
What will this earn you?
This visa could be gained under section 18 of the Residence Act named “residence title for the purpose of taking up employment”. If the Federal Employment Agency approves your job, you will not need to get approval yourself. You need to discuss with some German embassy when you will get your job offer, which is still able to help you if you are outside of Germany.
You can use the chance to help the other registrations for national authority from abroad and host in the Welcome Centre in your resident city.
2- German universities graduation
If you have studied in Germany and got a degree from a university, you are also entitled to apply for a work visa after finding a job related to your studied degree.
If you are unable to find a job after completing your degree in Germany, you will be able to get 18 months of job seeking a visa. During this time period, you can work anywhere to bear your stay expenses.
3- Work visa for non-academic vocational professionals
This option is for those who have a vocational qualification in the home country. Such types of programs and skills normally do not need a degree. However, the following requirements are must apply for a work visa:
- Your vocational qualification is from a shortage occupation list (you may find the so-called white list here for shortage occupations in Germany).
- You need to receive a binding job offer from Germany. Here is the job listing for current job vacancies.
- Your skills and vocational qualifications must be equivalent to German vocational qualification levels. The best way to do it to get vocational qualification recognition from Germany. Here is the procedure and way to get it.
What will this earn you?
If the authority to whom you apply for vocational qualification recognition thinks you need to get further training to get full recognition, you will get a residence permit for the next 18 months to stay in Germany. This is according to Section 17a from the Residence Act. Alongside training, you are also allowed to work-related t your qualification without the restriction of time.
4- EU Blue Card
EU Blue Card is a so-called mimic form of USA Green Card, but here in Europe, you need to have 1.5 more wages threshold of a local German. This has especially been designed to attract highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries. The major requirements for the EU Blue Card of Germany are:
- German or recognized foreign or comparable foreign university degree
- An employment contract or a binding job offer (no restriction of having a job from shortage occupation list)
In order to satisfy the conditions of wages threshold, the minimum is:
- proof of gross income of €53,600
- for natural scientists, mathematicians, and engineers as well as doctors and IT specialists, it is based on a lower salary limit of €41,808.
Visa Duration
Initially, applicants are given a visa for 4 years of total duration. If the work contract has a validity of fewer than four years, then the visa will be issued for the job duration plus 3 months of extra time. Generally, people do not need to renew or extend the visa, as the next step is surely permanent residency.
Settlement Possibilities
Once you have been working and living on a Blue Card in Germany, you will be able to get a permanent residency after the total time of 33 months. In case you have adequate knowledge at the B1 level of German language proficiency, the time is reduced to 21 months. On the other hand, the normal PR time requirement is 7 to 8 years for other visa categories.
Family Reunion
You can sponsor your family to stay with you in Germany. Your spouse is also allowed to work without time restrictions.
Academic Qualification Recognition
In order to have a smooth job process, you must have your academic qualification recognized according to German education standards. For doing so, you may use ‘Recognition in Germany’ portal. Please note, such organizations do charge an amount for their services. The processing time is normally 2 to 3 months. But once you mention is the application of recognition that you need this for EU Blue Card, the process will take less time. You must not forget to check beforehand, if your university is recognized in Germany, for doing so, visit ‘Anabin‘ website for the database (this website is in German language, so better use it in Google Chrome so that you can get the translation in real-time).
How to find English Jobs in Germany?
There are many good websites and Facebook groups online to apply for online jobs in Germany. Our article can help you with doing so by clicking here.