Skilled Worker Visa (Recognized Qualification)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 4-12 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- Up to 4 years, tied to employment contract duration
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Under Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG), skilled workers with a recognized vocational qualification (non-university) can obtain a residence permit for qualified employment in Germany. The qualification must be formally recognized as equivalent to a German vocational qualification. Unlike the EU Blue Card, this visa does not require a university degree but requires formal qualification recognition. Workers over 45 entering Germany for the first time must earn at least EUR 55,770 gross annually (2026) or demonstrate adequate pension provision. The permit can be extended and may lead to permanent settlement after 4 years (or 2 years under certain conditions).
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must have a concrete job offer for qualified employment in Germany that matches the recognized vocational qualification
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Employment
Must have a binding job offer or employment contract from a German employer. Federal Employment Agency approval may be required unless waived.
Required status: Job offer or signed employment contract
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Financial
Workers over 45 entering Germany for the first time must earn at least EUR 55,770 gross annually (2026) or demonstrate adequate pension provision
Minimum funds: No minimum for under 45; EUR 55,770/year for over 45 (2026)
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public safety or order. Clean criminal record required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Employment contract showing salary; Minimum amount: Salary from employment contract
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany and Schengen area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form (Antrag auf Erteilung eines nationalen Visums); Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Qualification recognition
Issuing authority: Issuing authority; Must be translated: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain formal recognition of your vocational qualification from the competent German recognition authority. Check equivalence via anabin database or apply to ZAB. Recognition process takes 1-3 months.
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Online application
Complete the national visa application online via the German Consular Services Portal or download the application form
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75 at the embassy appointment
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Document submission
Submit all required documents including passport, photos, employment contract, qualification recognition certificate, CV, and health insurance proof
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. Processing typically takes 4-12 weeks. The Federal Employment Agency may need to approve the employment.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. After arrival in Germany, register at the local registration office and apply for the residence permit at the foreigners authority (Auslaenderbehorde).