The visa for work for experienced professionals is one of the new regulations introduced under the Skilled Immigration Act. It is designed to facilitate access to the German labor market for individuals with at least two years of professional experience in non-regulated professions. Applicants can obtain a residence permit to pursue qualified employment in Germany under Section 19c (2) of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 of the Employment Regulation. This regulation is particularly beneficial for skilled workers whose qualifications were acquired abroad and have not yet been formally recognized in Germany.
A key advantage of this visa category is that professional experience takes precedence over formal qualifications. Applicants must demonstrate that they have at least two years of work experience at a skilled level, directly related to the job they intend to pursue in Germany. This experience must have been acquired within the last five years.
Applicants must also have a specific job offer in a non-regulated profession in Germany. The minimum salary for these skilled workers is generally €40,770 per year, provided the employer is not bound by a collective agreement. For employers bound by collective agreements, the respective agreements apply. If you are over 45 years old, you must earn a gross annual salary of at least €49,830 or provide evidence of an adequate retirement plan for your intended employment in Germany. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient German language skills, which can vary depending on the profession.
An important feature of this visa is the possibility of a recognition partnership. Under this arrangement, employers and employees can agree to carry out the qualification recognition process after the employee arrives in Germany. This allows for a quicker start to work and greater flexibility in meeting the demands of the German labor market.
For companies, this visa provides an excellent opportunity to recruit experienced professionals from abroad and quickly integrate them into the workforce. It reduces bureaucratic hurdles and simplifies the recognition process, effectively addressing skill shortages in specialized sectors.
You can find out more about the law at https://fachkraefteeinwanderungsgesetz.de.