Key Requirements for Skilled Professionals
Welcome to Germany! The country is actively looking for motivated skilled professionals from around the world. Immigration has been significantly simplified in recent years by the Skilled Immigration Act. If you meet the right requirements, your chances of finding a job here and building a successful future are excellent.
What makes you a skilled professional in Germany?
In Germany, a skilled professional is someone who has either a recognized university degree or a qualified, state-recognized vocational training. It is crucial that your training or degree from abroad is recognized as equivalent in Germany. Since the legal reform, it is no longer essential whether your profession is on a specific list (known as shortage occupations) or if there are already German or EU citizens available for the position (priority check). This means that if you meet the legal criteria, you can work in many professions in Germany.
These requirements must be met
To obtain a visa for entry into Germany and to be allowed to work here, you need to provide some fundamental documents.
1. Recognition of your qualification
The first and most important step is the recognition of your qualification. You must prove that your professional qualification from abroad is comparable to a German degree. This process is carried out by a competent authority in Germany. Without a recognized qualification, a visa application for a skilled professional is generally not possible. Further information can be found at anabin.kmk.org.
2. Proof of your German language skills
In most professions, a certain level of language proficiency is essential to get by in your daily work and social life. A language level of B1 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is often required. An exception is made, especially for IT professionals, where good English skills are often sufficient in many companies.
3. Securing your livelihood
For a job-seeker visa, you must demonstrate that you can independently cover your living expenses in Germany. This proof is usually provided through a blocked account where the necessary funds for a period of at least six months are deposited.
4. Health insurance and accommodation
Regardless of whether you already have a job or are still looking for one, valid health insurance is mandatory. You must also be able to prove a permanent residence in Germany, for example, with a rental confirmation.
5. The employment contract (for the work visa)
As soon as you receive an employment contract from a German company, you can apply for a visa for gainful employment. For this, the position must match your recognized qualification.