10 German Documentation Requirements for a Work Visa

Germany is an excellent country for seeking employment. Jobs in Germany offer high salaries and job security.  Moreover, the transport facilities are easily accessible in the country. For this reason, several people seek a German work Visa. However, before applying for a German work visa a person must be aware of the German work visa requirements. Without meeting the requirements no one can obtain a work visa/German national visa. Therefore, in this blog, we have covered the German Work Visa requirements for applicants.

Valid Passport and Application Form

One of the major German work visa requirements is a valid passport. The passport must be issued within the last 10 years and must have 2 blank pages. Applicant must also keep copies of the passport’s data page. Aside from the passport, the duly filled application form must also be submitted.

Provide Declaration of Accuracy of Information 

Under the Information provided to applicants under Section 54 (2) 8 in conjunction with Section 53 of the Residence Act, a foreigner can be expelled for furnishing false or incomplete information. It means inaccurate or incomplete information cannot be entered to gain a German residence permit. For this purpose, applicants have to provide a declaration of the Accuracy of the Information as one of the  German work visa requirements.

Check out the 10+ Documentation Requirements for Germany Spouse Visa

Passport Photographs that Meet the Biometric Standards

Another major German work visa requirements is that the applicant must submit passport-sized photographs of themselves. The photograph must not be older than 3 months. Additionally, the biometric standards of the photo must be met. For example, the head of the person being photographed must not be tiled, the facial expression must be neutral, and the person must be looking directly at the camera. 

Address Proof 

The German work visa requirements include the submission of address proof. The address proof of the applicant can be a valid driver’s license, lease, or utility bill. The current address proof (in the home country) can be submitted for verification purposes. 

Employment Contact 

Another important German work visa requirements is an employment contract. The applicant must submit a copy of the employment contract or the letter of intent from the future employer in Germany. The employment contract must include the details of the working hours, salaries, and employer’s full address. On the other hand, for self-employment purposes, the applicant must present information regarding the financing and the company. For example, the business plan, business contacts, credit, and financial information, among others.

Provide a Detailed Job Description 

Apart from the employment contract, a detailed job description has to be submitted for the German work visa application. The job description must be provided by the future employer. It can include details such as the roles responsibilities, and benefits of an employee. 

Proof of Educational Qualifications

The German work visa requirements also include presenting proof of educational qualifications. That is, the applicant must submit the acquired university degrees (both original and copy. As per German law, a foreign degree must be recognized in Germany. Furthermore, if the educational documents are in any other language then it must be translated to either German or English.  The educational documents have to be recognized in Germany to apply for:

• Skilled work/qualified employment for graduates of foreign universities
• Blue Card or Job seeker visa

The instructions are provided on the ANABIN website regarding the confirmation of recognition of the degree.

Watch the video below to learn all about Studying in Germany

Learn About the PSW for German Students 

Accommodation Proof 

Proof of housing or accommodation proof is another one of the German work visa requirements/ Therefore the applicants must provide accommodation proof in Germany. The full residential address has to be provided for verification. An accommodation proof can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or invitation letter in case of private accommodation, among others.  For private accommodation, applicants must submit the details of private accommodation with their name, full address, and one copy of the passport of the inviting person.

Health Insurance 

Another major German work visa requirements is providing health insurance proof. It means that the foreigner will have to obtain health insurance for the first 90 days of stay with a minimum coverage of 30.000 EUR. Health insurance is needed to seek healthcare services at a German hospital.

Who Requires a German Work Visa?

A German Employment visas are required by non-EU or third-country nationals who want to work in the country. On the other hand, citizens of certain countries do not need German employment visas. For example, citizens of EEA/EU member states, USA, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Israel, and New Zealand.  Citizens of these countries can directly apply for residence permits,. A work permit is only needed if they want to work immediately.

Types of German Long Stay Work Visas

Before learning about the German Work Visa requirements, applicants must be aware of the types of German employment visas. Applying for the correct visa is crucial for a visa application to be successful. Here we have provided a list of the types of German long-stay employment visas.

• Employment visas (for those who have already received a job offer to work in Germany)
• Self Employment visas (for those who want to establish a business in Germany or work as a freelancer
• Job Seeker visa (for those seeking employment while staying in Germany)
• Working Holiday Visa (Applicable to youngers who have signed a working holiday visa agreement with Germany)
• Working as an Au Pair (for adults who want to learn more about the German culture and language)

Check out the cost of living in Germany for Foreigners 

German Work Visa Application Process 

The Germany work visa can be applied for by following the steps below. Note: A German work visa can be applied by visiting a German embassy/consulate or a visa application centre. 

• Must have received a job offer in Germany
• Next, make sure that you need a visa for Germany
• If a visa is needed, gather the required documents 
• It is important to make an appointment for a German visa interview 
• Pay the required fees and attend the interview
• Lastly, wait for a response from the embassy/visa application center regarding the results 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what are the German work visa requirements. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

Relevant Reads:

Post-Study Work Visa in Ireland for Indian Students	Tier 2 Visa UK – A Comprehensive Overview
A Practical Guide to USA Work Permits	How to Get PR in Ireland After Study?
How to Get a PR in France?	Is it Easy to Get a PR in the UK?