Entry and residence for the purpose of work

You are very welcome on the German labor market. You can find out more about your personal conditions for entry and residence by entering your country of origin in the configurator. Please note that your status as a skilled worker or highly qualified person may give you special opportunities for access to the labor market.

Entry and residence for EU citizens

The free movement of workers applies to citizens of EU and EEA countries. This means that you are entitled to settle in any EU country of your choice and take up gainful employment. You do not need a residence permit to do this.

If you are Swiss or a family member of a Swiss national, you will receive the right of residence-CH and may also work in Germany.

Entry and residence for citizens from third countries

If your country of origin is outside the EU or EEA, in most cases you will need a visa for gainful employment in accordance with Section 18.

You apply for this at German embassies or consulates in your country of origin. The visa will only be issued if you have a concrete job offer or an employment contract.

After entering the country, you apply for a residence permit at the local immigration authority in Germany. Even if you can enter Germany without a visa due to the regulations for your country of origin, you must apply for a residence permit to take up employment.

You may only take up employment if this is expressly permitted in the residence permit.

Permission to take up employment

In most cases, a residence permit can only be issued if the Federal Employment Agency approves your employment. Approval is likely to be granted if you are working in a shortage occupation and earn a reasonable income.

Likewise, university graduates generally receive approval if their degree is recognized in Germany or is equivalent to a German university degree.

The residence permit can only be issued without the approval of the Federal Employment Agency if you are a manager, senior employee or specialist or if you are a graduate of a German university or have a recognized foreign university degree and can obtain the EU Blue Card.

Easier access for skilled workers from non-EU countries with academic or vocational training

Since the Skilled Immigration Act came into force on 01.03.2020, access to the regional labor market has also been made easier for skilled workers from non-EU countries with academic or vocational training.