• Initial consultation and preliminary review are available at one of the following offices:
  • Saxony-Anhalt Immigration Information Center
  • WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt
  • Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)
• Employment contract or a concrete job offer with detailed salary information

• Obtain a power of attorney from the specialist
• If necessary, issue a sub-authorization (A sub-authorization must be completed by the company if, for example, it assigns a specific company employee to assist a specialist or engages a relocation service to handle the process.)

• A color copy of the skilled worker’s passport
• If currently residing in another EU country: Copy of the skilled worker’s residence status certificate
• From the age of 45: Proof of adequate retirement provisions for the skilled worker in Germany

• Copy of the diploma from vocational training or a degree program: in the original language and with a certified translation into German
• Notification of recognition or certificate evaluation from a competent recognition authority in Germany (e.g., IHK FOSA, ZAB) or proof that the recognition process is already underway
• For regulated professions (e.g., nursing, medicine, education): license to practice or confirmation of approval for a license to practice
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form in German
• Copies of employment records and other supporting documents (if available) in the original language and German translation:
  • Employment references, references, proof of employment
  • School transcripts, certificates, courses, continuing education, etc.
• Statement regarding the initial application for equivalency assessment in Germany:
  • in German and
  • signed by the skilled worker
• Proof of language proficiency:
  • for regulated professions (e.g., medicine, education): e.g., German language proficiency at level B1 or B2 (the language used in the workplace is decisive)
  • For non-regulated professions, not required but may be helpful
• Job offer or employment contract with details on duties, salary, working hours, etc.

Note: Professional drivers and IT specialists can also enter the country via the accelerated skilled worker procedure even without professional recognition.

• Determine the competent immigration office (depending on the company's registered office)
• As an employer: Schedule an appointment (via email; see the table above)
• Finalize the agreement on the procedure (including deadlines, responsibilities, and supporting documents)
• Pay the processing fee (€411)

• The recognition process is initiated by the Office of Immigration and Naturalization
• If necessary, submit additional documents for the equivalency assessment upon request

Note: The professional may initiate the recognition process even before the formal procedure begins. If you have questions about recognition, the Saxony-Anhalt Immigration Information Center can assist you.

• The company fills out the employment declaration and forwards it directly to the Federal Employment Agency, or
• The company fills out the declaration of employment, and the Foreigners’ Registration Office handles the approval internally
• If applicable, Supplementary Sheet A (used to provide a detailed description of employment or a qualification measure as part of a recognition procedure under Section 16d of the Residence Act)
• If applicable, Supplementary Sheet B (used to provide details regarding employment within the framework of a posting, an intra-company transfer (ICT), or an international staff exchange)
• Query regarding the parallel procedure (regular visa procedure initiated by the skilled worker or prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency initiated by the representative company)

Note: It is not permitted to apply for a regular visa procedure at the diplomatic mission abroad and for prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency at the same time. Since the visa application is usually submitted by the skilled worker themselves to the relevant diplomatic mission abroad, it is essential for you as a company to coordinate this with the skilled worker in advance.

Recommendation: Discuss with your future skilled worker whether a visa application has already been submitted or is planned, and carefully coordinate the next steps. Good coordination prevents unnecessary delays and duplicate entries in the process.

• The specialist makes an appointment at the German diplomatic mission abroad and
  • submits the agreement and documents from the Foreigners’ Registration Office there.
  • Applying for a D-Visa

Note: The use of the expedited skilled worker procedure does not guarantee that the German diplomatic mission will issue a visa. If preliminary approval for the visa is not granted or if the diplomatic mission rejects the visa application, there is no entitlement to a refund of the fee paid.

• Entry of the skilled worker after the visa has been issued
• Registration at the place of residence
• Arriving, Working, and Living in Saxony-Anhalt

Note: Take advantage of the support services offered by the WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt.