Working in Germany
Many foreigners intend to work in Germany for various reasons. However, depending on the desired type of employment, this is subject to certain requirements that should be carefully considered and professionally evaluated. There are different alternatives for accessing the German labor market.
1. Access to the German Labor Market
Foreigners who wish to reside in Germany for employment purposes require a residence permit. This applies to foreigners who are not nationals of a member state of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
Generally, the residence permit must be applied for and issued in the form of a visa before entering Germany. The respective German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the applicant's home country is responsible for this. Access to the German labor market for non-EU/EEA nationals is restricted by a legal regulation (Beschäftigungsverordnung – Employment Ordinance). Only certain occupational groups have access to the German labor market. In most cases, prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) is mandatory.
For unskilled or low-skilled workers, the options for accessing the labor market are very limited. However, highly qualified foreigners, such as academic professionals, have significantly better legal opportunities for immigration, with good prospects for permanent residency in Germany.
2. Vocational Training in Germany
Non-EU nationals can also obtain a residence permit for vocational training in Germany. This requires approval from the Federal Employment Agency, which checks whether there are German or privileged foreign applicants available nationwide for the training position.
However, graduates of German schools abroad who wish to pursue qualified vocational training in a state-recognized or similarly regulated training occupation may be granted a residence permit without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
3. Job Seeker Visa for Germany
University graduates who hold a German degree, a recognized foreign degree, or a foreign degree comparable to a German university degree may enter Germany to search for a job on-site. They can obtain a job seeker visa, allowing them to stay in Germany for up to six months to look for employment. However, in addition to their degree, they must provide proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay. Employment or self-employment is not permitted during the job search period.
a) Foreign University Degree
If the applicant holds a recognized foreign university degree or a degree comparable to a German university degree but does not meet the salary threshold for the EU Blue Card, the recognition of the degree is verified through the ANABIN database. Additionally, the job must correspond to the applicant's qualifications, meaning the acquired skills must be at least partially or indirectly required for the position.
b) Qualified Vocational Training Acquired Abroad
Employment with a qualified vocational training obtained abroad may be permitted if:
- The occupation is listed on the current list of the German Federal Employment Agency,
- The job is advertised in the Federal Employment Agency’s job portal, and
- The equivalence of the foreign vocational training with the German education system has been confirmed.
c) Qualified Vocational Training Acquired in Germany
Employment in Germany may still be possible at a later date if the applicant has completed qualified vocational training in Germany. In this case, the desired job must correspond to the vocational training completed. Qualified vocational training in Germany typically lasts at least two years. In this scenario, the "Positivliste" (shortage occupation list) is not relevant.
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