Visa for Professionally Experienced Workers

Germany•Europe

Open

Visa for Professionally Experienced Workers

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-12 weeks

Application Fee

75 EUR

Stay Duration

Varies (Renewable based on employment contract)

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Germany

Cost of Living

Same as United States

Avg Salary€39,600

Quality of Life

196/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Work visa for non-EU workers with professional experience but no formal academic qualification. Requires job offer and Federal Employment Agency approval.

The Visa for Professionally Experienced Workers lets non-EU nationals work in Germany without formal qualification recognition. It requires two years of relevant experience in the last five years, a job offer in a non-regulated profession, and a gross annual salary of at least €45,630 (€55,770 if aged over 45).

The Federal Employment Agency must approve employment before visa issue. It is renewable and tied to the employment contract. After five years (or three with sufficient income), holders may apply for a settlement permit. Spouses may join and work without restriction; children under 18 qualify as dependents.

This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a German job offer and two years of experience who want permanent residence without formal credential recognition.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

Germany

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

ValidityIndefinite

Processing2-6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Possess a non-academic vocational qualification (at least 2 years) or an academic qualification recognized in the country of origin.

Provide evidence of at least two years of qualified professional experience within the last five years related to the intended job.

Have a concrete job offer in a non-regulated profession in Germany.

Meet the minimum gross annual salary threshold: at least €45,630 gross per year (2026); at least €55,770 gross per year if aged over 45 (or demonstrate adequate pension provision).

Obtain approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA).

Exception: IT and communication technology professionals are exempt from the formal qualification requirement and need only demonstrate relevant professional experience.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

vocational or higher

Experience

2+ years

Min. Income

45,630 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Completed visa application form

Recent biometric passport photos

Concrete job offer/employment contract

Declaration of employment (signed by employer)

Proof of professional qualification (degree or vocational certificate)

Proof of at least 2 years of relevant professional experience

Proof of health insurance

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Application Process

Secure job offer: From German employer

Get employer sponsorship: Employer submits work permit application to Federal Employment Agency

Await BA approval: Federal Employment Agency reviews and approves

Apply for visa: With BA approval and job offer

Pay visa fee: EUR 75

Visa approval: Usually within 4-8 weeks

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Work Visa Application

National Visa Application Form (Category D)

Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Secure job offer: From German employer; Get employer sponsorship: Employer submits work permit appli…	make-it-in-germany.com
Dependent Visa	Dependents allowed	make-it-in-germany.com
Fee Breakdown	Application fee: 75 EUR	auswaertiges-amt.de
Fees	EUR 75	auswaertiges-amt.de
Forms	Work Visa Application	make-it-in-germany.com
Forms · Work Visa Application · description	National Visa Application Form (Category D)	auswaertiges-amt.de
Forms · Work Visa Application · url	https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/procedure/application-forms	make-it-in-germany.com
Included Nationalities	—	make-it-in-germany.com

Ready to see if the Visa for Professionally Experienced Workers is your path?

Let's check your eligibility against published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Check Eligibility

Overview

Work visa for non-EU workers with professional experience but no formal academic qualification. Requires job offer and Federal Employment Agency approval.

This visa is ideal for non-EU professionals with a German job offer and two years of experience who want permanent residence without formal credential recognition.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Possess a non-academic vocational qualification (at least 2 years) or an academic qualification recognized in the country of origin.

Provide evidence of at least two years of qualified professional experience within the last five years related to the intended job.

Have a concrete job offer in a non-regulated profession in Germany.

Meet the minimum gross annual salary threshold: at least €45,630 gross per year (2026); at least €55,770 gross per year if aged over 45 (or demonstrate adequate pension provision).

Obtain approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA).

Exception: IT and communication technology professionals are exempt from the formal qualification requirement and need only demonstrate relevant professional experience.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

vocational or higher

Experience

2+ years

Min. Income

45,630 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Completed visa application form

Recent biometric passport photos

Concrete job offer/employment contract

Declaration of employment (signed by employer)

Proof of professional qualification (degree or vocational certificate)

Proof of at least 2 years of relevant professional experience

Proof of health insurance

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Application Process