German Employment Visas And Visas for Temporary Work Assignments

Which are the requirements for a German employment visa?

Details about which documents have to be included in your German work visa application are available online on the website of the competent German embassy or consulate.

There is an exception to the general German employment visa requirements for citizens of certain favored countries, including

• the United States,
• Australia and
• Japan.

Citizens of these favored countries do not need a visa to enter Germany for employment purposes. Instead, after entering Germany visa-free, they are permitted to apply to the local German foreigners authority for a residence/work permit. However, citizens of favored countries who have entered without a visa may only begin working after receiving an approved and valid residence/work permit in Germany.

Intended employment affects visa eligibility

Germany also regulates the type of work that foreign citizens may perform on a German employment visa. Again, however, there is an exception to the general rule. Citizens of certain countries may perform any kind of work in Germany.

Furthermore, depending on the individual circumstances, the German Labor Department may have to approve the intended employment. It is therefore important that, prior to applying for a residence/work permit in Germany, a careful review is conducted to determine if it will be possible to obtain the residence/work permit for the intended employment.