Depending on their country of origin, different conditions apply to skilled workers from abroad regarding entry, residence, and employment in Germany. For example, EU citizens (or nationals of Switzerland and the European Economic Area) may stay in Germany for three months without a visa and have unrestricted access to the labor market or the right to engage in self-employment. Skilled workers from non-EU countries (so-called third-country nationals), on the other hand, are generally required to present a visa or a residence permit in order to enter and work in Germany. They must apply for the visa before entering the country at a German embassy or consulate. Upon arrival in Germany, they then submit an application for a residence permit to the Foreigners’ Registration Office. Some Foreigners’ Registration Offices in Saxony-Anhalt offer digital application options, for example in the Burgenlandkreis district, as this video on the online application shows (redirect to YouTube).

Certain requirements must be met to obtain a visa to begin working. For example, a signed employment contract must be available.

Have you already agreed on an employment contract with a foreign skilled worker and would like to know how you, as an employer, can support the person with their entry and stay? Please contact the regional advisors.

You can also find more information about possible residence permits in the Information Center.

We have summarized the key points of the new Skilled Immigration Act for you in this guide.

Are you planning an event with multiple companies and looking for an expert to provide insights on skilled worker immigration? Please feel free to contact us.

For more in-depth information on skilled worker immigration and residency law, our training programs are available upon request.

You might also be interested in: 

• Regional contact points for the accelerated skilled worker procedure
• Professional recognition 
• Welcome management and family-friendliness