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German Work Visa: Requirements, Application Process, and Fees

Last Update: 16-08-2024

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Aditya Jain

German Work Visa

Do Indians Need a German Work Visa?

Yes, as an Indian citizen, you will need a work permit to work in Germany. There are different types of work visas depending on the nature and duration of employment. These include the EU Blue Card, employment visa, and other specific visas for particular types of work or situations.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Who can Apply for a Germany Work Visa?
  3. Requirements for German Work Visa
  4. Photo Specifications for Germany Work Visa
  5. How to Apply for a German Work Visa?
  6. German Work Visa Cost for Indians
  7. Germany Work Permit Processing Time
  8. German Work Visa Validity
  9. What to do Upon Arrival in Germany?
  10. Conclusion
  11. FAQs

Introduction

Getting a work visa for Germany is a long process and depends on specific criteria and German visa regulations. For skilled workers, especially those with a university degree or professional qualifications, Germany has many opportunities across different sectors. The German work visa is a gateway for qualified professionals to enter Germany to find a job or to pursue long-term career goals. This guide will walk you through the whole process – from preparing your application to landing in Germany – and make sure you are well-prepared for this journey.


A German work visa is mandatory for non-EU nationals who want to work in Germany. The process of applying for a German work visa involves several steps including getting a job offer from a German employer, validating your qualifications and getting an entry visa from the local German embassy or consulate. This visa is only for your initial entry into Germany and lays the foundation for getting a residence permit which is required for long-term stay and work. Throughout this guide, we will cover the basics such as qualified employment contracts, visa appointments, and the role of the Employment Agency in approving job offers so you are well prepared for the process.

Who can Apply for a Germany Work Visa?

The following categories can apply for a German work visa:

  • Highly qualified foreigners, especially, researchers with special technical knowledge and teaching or academic staff in prominent positions.
  • Intra-group acquirers, in particular managers and specialists.

Note

If you are above 45 years of age, your net annual salary should be at least €48,180 per annum. Besides, you should also have a pension plan that will cover your expenses post your retirement.

Third-country nationals with a university degree or a non-academic professional qualification who meet the following requirements can also apply for a German work visa -

  • There is a shortage of skilled workers in the profession. 
  • You have a specific job offer.
  • Your training must be equivalent to a German qualification.

EU Blue Card

You can apply for Blue Card if you receive more than 43.992 € for Natural Scientists, Mathematicians, Engineers, Doctors, and IT professionals (also known as MINT professions) // 46.530 € for applicants over 45 years of age // 56.400 € for all other professions

Requirements for German Work Visa 

The work permit requirements for Germany are as follows

2 Application Forms

Completed, signed, and printed.

2 passport-size photographs

  • Should be recent - not older than 6 months
  • See detailed specifications below

Passport

  • Must be valid for 3 more months from the last day in Germany. 
  • Copy of passport’s data page. This copy should be in A4 size copy and either in colour or black and white.
  • Passport with extended validity will not be accepted.
  • Must be no older than 10 years, on the day you plan to leave Germany.
  • Must have at least two blank pages.
  • Should not have torn or burnt pages, wet pages, or huge marks, as drinks spills and others.
  • Old passport, if any.

Residence proof in India

Driving licence and/or utility bill with your name on it as proof of residence in the area of ​​the consulate where you wish to apply.

Health Insurance

  • Mandatory certificate from the German employer, valid from the date of employment. 
  • If not already included in the mandatory health insurance, separate travel insurance is required for the period from arrival in Germany to the start of employment.

Employment contract/ offer or binding job offer

Should state the gross annual salary and a detailed description of the employment you will be doing in Germany.

Approval by the Federal Employment Agency

 If applicable

Updated CV

Should indicate your academic qualifications and professional experience.

Personal Cover Letter

Should contain precise information about the purpose and duration of the stay.

Proof of payment

  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • The visa fee for a German long-term visa is €75.

Photo Specifications for Germany Work Visa

The following are the photo requirements for a German work visa: 

  • The face should make up 70 to 80 percent of the entire photo, which is 32 – 36mm in height. If the face is less than 27mm or more than 40mm in the photo, it will be rejected.
  • Take your photo against a light grey background if you have a darker face and dark hair.
  • If your face and hair are light, take the picture against a medium-grey background.
  • The photo must be printed on high-quality paper with a print resolution of at least 600 dpi.
  • Photos can be in black and white or colour.
  • It should have even flashes, not too dark nor too bright.
  • Photos need to be sharp, clear, and have good contrast. 

How to Apply for a German Work Visa?

To apply for a German work permit you must first have a secure job offer from a German company. You then need to locate the appropriate application centre, gather all required documents as per guidelines, schedule a visa interview, pay the required fee, attend the interview, and await the outcome of your visa application.


The German embassy and German consulates located in India are the visa appointment centres for German work visas. Appointments are booked at the centre responsible for your place of residence or habitual abode. The German missions are geographically divided into official districts. Responsibility is based on your current main place of residence. Place of birth or nationality are not relevant.


Below is the list of German authorities in India where you can submit your visa application. Please note that you can’t submit your German work permit application at any of the German Honorary Consuls.

Embassy/Consulate LocationStates/Territories ServedAddress

New Delhi

Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab,Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, including Minicoy and Amini.

No. 6/50G, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, P.O Box 613,  New Delhi, 110001

Mumbai

Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu.

Hoechst House, 10th Floor, 193 Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai, 400021

Kolkata

West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

10 Hastings Park Road Alipore P.O Box 16711 Kolkata, 700027

Bengaluru

Karnataka and Kerala.

2nd and 3rd Floor, “Cash Pharmacy Building”, Corner St. Marks and Residency Road Bengaluru, 560025

Chennai

Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Pondicherry.

No. 9, Boat Club Road R.A. Puram Chennai, 600028

German Work Visa Cost for Indians

  • The German work visa cost for all types of long-term visas, also called National (D) visas, is 75 euros 
  • If you’re under the age of 18 the fee applicable to you is 37.5 euros when applying for a long-term visa for Germany.
  • German work visa fees are non-refundable in case of application rejection or withdrawal. Once the fee is paid, it is irreversible regardless of the circumstances prompting your decision.
  • The German work permit fee has to be paid through a demand draft except when you’re applying from New Delhi, where you also have the option to pay the fees in cash. The demand draft should not be older than 2 months and should be from a nationalised bank.

Germany Work Permit Processing Time

The German work permit processing time can vary depending on various factors such as the type of visa, the completeness of the application, and the current workload at the German embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. Generally, the German work permit processing time for a long-term visa can be 1-3 months from the date of application submission. 

German Work Visa Validity

A German work visa allows the holder to work in Germany for up to two years, with the possibility of extending the visa and later obtaining the EU Blue Card or applying for other types of residence permits.


The period of your stay is determined by your qualified employment contract. If your contract is issued for 2 years, your permit will also be valid for 2 years. However, you can extend it as many times as you like, as long as you maintain your employment status.

What to do Upon Arrival in Germany?

After you get your German work visa, you can travel to Germany freely, however, to get a residence permit in Germany you need to complete the following procedures upon arrival in Germany. 

  • You should contact the immigration office in Germany that is closest to where you live. Some offices require you to make an appointment before the interview, while others allow you to register directly.
  • Attend the interview with the immigration office where you will also submit the necessary documents for a residence permit. The required documents are:
  • Passport.
  • 2 Photographs
  • Application form for a residence permit
  • Report of a clean criminal record
  • Proof of German language skills
  • Health insurance confirmation

Learn more about Germany Visas

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Work Visa of Germany  - Government Portal

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Embassy of Germany in New Delhi

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Germany Tourist Visa

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Germany Visa Appointment

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Germany Visa Processing Time

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Germany Visa Application Teleport

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Other Germany Blogs

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German Visa Tracking

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Germany Visa Processing Time

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Germany Visa for Indians

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Germany Visa Photo Size

Conclusion

Getting a German work visa can seem overwhelming at first. But with the right preparation and knowledge of the process, it becomes manageable and achievable. This guide has tried to give you an overview of the application process from getting the employment contract to the visa interview at your local German embassy or consulate. Remember, your application success depends not only on meeting the requirements but also on the quality of your documents and the timely submission of your application.


As you go through the process of getting a German work visa, remember every document, every appointment, and every form is a step towards your career in Germany. Whether it’s through a German job seeker visa with job opportunities for initial entry or a permanent employment contract for long-term residence, every part counts. Understanding the visa fees, the mandatory health insurance, and the EU Blue Card or residence permit routes can make a big difference to your experience and success. 

FAQs

Is it easy to get a German work permit for Indians?

Obtaining a German work visa for Indians involves navigating a structured process that considers various factors such as qualifications, job market demand, and documentation requirements. While Germany welcomes skilled professionals from around the world, including Indians, the ease of obtaining a work visa can depend on individual circumstances, including the availability of job opportunities and offers, meeting visa criteria, and completing required paperwork accurately.

What if my German work visa application is rejected?

If your German work visa application is rejected you can either apply again or file a lawsuit against refusal. Beginning 2024, the re-assessment of the ‘remonstration’ of the application has been abolished. 

Are German language skills necessary to get a German work visa?

If you already have a job offer in Germany, you do not need to prove your German language skills to get your work visa. 

What is the difference between a tourist visa and a work visa in Germany?

A tourist visa permits only temporary stays for leisure or visiting purposes in Germany and the Schengen Area, whereas a work visa allows for longer-term employment and residency rights to work in Germany.

How does the German job seeker visa work?

The Germany job seeker visa allows individuals to enter Germany for up to 6 months to seek employment. If a job is secured, the visa can be converted into a residence permit or employment visa.

What role does the Federal Employment Agency play in the German work visa process?

The Federal Employment Agency assesses whether there are suitable candidates from Germany or the EU for the job, and approves job offers for foreign nationals if no suitable local candidates are available.

Are vocational training and qualifications from other countries recognized in Germany?

Yes, Germany recognizes foreign education and vocational training, but they must be evaluated and deemed equivalent to German qualifications.

What is the significance of having a valid passport and health insurance when applying for a German work visa?

A valid passport is required to prove your identity and nationality, while health insurance is mandatory to cover any medical expenses during your stay in Germany.

Can I apply for permanent residency after working in Germany on a work visa?

Yes, after specific periods of employment and residence, you can apply for permanent residency, especially if you have an EU Blue Card or a permanent employment contract.

What happens if my work visa expires while I’m still employed in Germany?

You must apply for a renewal or extension of your work visa before it expires to ensure continued legality of your employment and residence in Germany.

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