Germany is looking for skilled workers– but who exactly is considered a "skilled worker"? Professionals with vocational training or professional qualifications, so-called “highly qualified” people with university degrees and those undergoing vocational training in Germany count as "skilled workers" or "Fachkräfte". In other words, those who are studying or doing vocational training here.
Skilled workers require a visa and then a residence permit to enter and stay in Germany. There are different types of residence permits depending on the exact purpose of the stay. The information below covers different kinds of visas and is relevant for skilled workers who are still abroad and those already living in Germany.
Here, you will also find detailed information on the recognition procedure for degrees or professional qualifications. We also inform you about the requirements for family reunification and the schooling of children. If you are coming to Germany as a skilled worker, it is important to know your rights as an employee. On this page, you will find relevant information about employee rights in Germany.
If you would like to know more about how to find a flat, open a bank account or take out health insurance, then have a look on our page ‘First steps in Germany for Immigrants’.
You can find all other information about life in Germany under the various categories on our website (e.g., "Live", "Health", "Education" or "Family").
If you still have questions, please visit our forum and seek support. You can ask your questions anonymously– Our community managers and experts will happily answer.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is similar to the American Green Card.
“Opportunity Card” for Jobseekers
“Chancenkarte” or the Opportunity Card (a
Visa for Jobseekers
Many companies in Germany are looking for skilled workers.
Visa for Vocational Training
Vocational training programmes in Germany can offer great opportunities for a successful career.
Visa for University Education
Germany has many outstanding colleges and universities and numerous international students.
Visa for Seeking a Vocational Training or University Programme
Accomplishing in a vocational training or university progra
Visa for Self-Employment
A lot of people dream of starting their very own business or working independently as self-employed.
Visa for Research Work
Germany has numerous significant research institutes.
Changing Residence Title and Purpose of Stay
The new regulations of the Skilled Immigration Act introduce concepts known as "change of purpose" („
National Visa Type D
All citizens of so-called "third countries" (non-EU countries) need a visa to stay in Germany for more than three mon
Declaration of Commitment for National Visa Type D
When third-country nationals (i.e.
Permanent Residence Permit for Immigrants
A permanent residence permit (also known as "settlement permit") is, in fact, an unlimited permit to reside in German
"Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" for people with "Duldung"
The new "Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht" (roughly: Opportunity Residence A
Recognition of foreign certificates
If you have obtained your school or vocational qualification outside Germany, you can have it recogni
Visa and residence permit for the recognition of professional qualifications
Recognition of foreign qualifications enables those who have completed their training abroad to work in their profess
Certified Copies
You have most probably heard the term "certified copy" ("beglaubigte Kopie") or the phrase "you need to have your doc
Labour rights
Labour law in Germany is very complicated as there are numerous regulations in several bodies of law regarding the su
Employment Contract
Searching for the proper job can be tedious- but it is fabulous when you finally get a "yes" from a company you like.
Termination of Employment Contract
Prospect of dismissal makes almost every employee nervous. But not every contract termination is legally valid.
Works Council and Union
Works councils and unions are designed to protect the rights and interests of employees.
Family Reunification for Immigrants
Marriage and the family are under special protection in Germany.
Kita: Childcare in Germany
In Germany, most small children attend a daycare centre or "Kita", where they can find new friends, play and learn ou
Schools in Germany
Education in Germany is regulated at the federal state level, meaning each of the 16 federal states has its school sy
Child Benefit
Raising children is costly, from nappies, clothing, toys, school supplies, and recreational activities to (later on)