Moving to Germany for work: the visa process step by step

Germany actively recruits skilled workers from abroad, and the rules have become much more welcoming in recent years. The process still has several steps, and doing them in the right order saves months. Here is the typical path for nurses, doctors and other skilled professionals.

Step 1: Choose the right route

• Skilled worker visa: for people with recognised vocational training or a university degree and a job offer in Germany.
• EU Blue Card: for university graduates with a job offer above a minimum salary (lower thresholds apply to shortage occupations such as nursing and medicine).
• Recognition visa: to come to Germany and complete the steps needed for full recognition, such as an adaptation course, often while working.
• Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): a points-based permit to come and look for a job for up to one year.
• Vocational training visa: for an Ausbildung (see our Ausbildung guide).

Step 2: Get your qualification recognised

For regulated professions such as nursing and medicine you need a recognition decision from the German authorities before you can work in the profession (see our Anerkennung guide). For non-regulated jobs with a university degree, a Statement of Comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) is often enough.

Step 3: Secure a job offer

Most work visas need a concrete job offer or employment contract. Your employer also fills in a form describing the job (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis). In many cases the Federal Employment Agency then checks that the salary and working conditions match those of German employees.

Step 4: Consider the fast-track procedure

With the accelerated skilled worker procedure (beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren), your employer applies at the immigration office in Germany on your behalf, for a fee. Once pre-approval is granted, the embassy aims to give you an appointment within about three weeks and usually decides within another three weeks. Many employers of nurses use it.

Step 5: Apply at the embassy or consulate

Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate responsible for where you live. Some embassies now accept applications online through the Federal Foreign Office's consular services portal; others use an external service provider or their own booking system. Typical documents:

• Valid passport and biometric photos
• Completed national visa application form
• Employment contract or job offer, and the employer's job description form
• Recognition notice or ZAB Statement of Comparability
• Degree or diploma certificates and your CV
• Language certificate, if required for your route
• Proof of health insurance from the start of your employment
• Visa fee (currently €75 for a national visa)

Step 6: After you arrive

1. 1Register your address (Anmeldung) at the local citizens' office, usually within two weeks of moving in.
2. 2Start your health insurance and receive your tax ID by post.
3. 3Open a German bank account for your salary.
4. 4Apply for your residence permit at the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) before your entry visa expires.

How Europe Careers helps

We match you with employers who sponsor international staff, prepare your document checklist, and guide you through recognition, the visa appointment and your first weeks in Germany.