Fachkraefteportal Brandenburg: Work, Education & Life
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5 steps for successful labour migration

Work visa for experienced professionals

With a work visa for experienced professionals, individuals who have already acquired practical professional knowledge in their desired occupation in Germany can enter the country in all non-regulated areas (Section 19c (2) of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 of the Employment Regulation). Recognition of the foreign qualification in Germany is not necessary for this.

General requirements for entry into Brandenburg (Section 5 (1) of the Residence Act) are: passport, proof of financial means, no existing grounds for expulsion. In order to successfully obtain a visa for economic migration to Brandenburg, you should already have a concrete job offer in Germany or a valid employment contract. Before applying for an entry visa, clarify the equivalence of your professional or university degree not obtained in Germany.

Schritt 1

Check requirements

  • State-recognized university or vocational qualification obtained abroad (for vocational qualifications: at least two years of training).
    - Information on the recognition of university degrees: Anabin.kmk.org
    - Information on the recognition of vocational qualifications: For skilled workers (anerkennung-in-deutschland.de)
  • Specific job offer in Germany or valid employment contract
  • Required gross annual salary in non-regulated professions of at least €43,470 (in 2025) and at least €53,130 for persons over 45 years of age (2025). Exception for salary threshold: The employer is bound by a collective agreement and pays according to the collective agreement
  • Special case: IT specialists with professional experience are not required to provide proof of formal university or vocational qualifications. They need at least 2 years of professional experience in the IT sector within the last 5 years.

Step 2 (in the home country)

Appointment request at the German Embassy

Note: Find out about the fast-track procedure for skilled workers – it can shorten the entry process with the help of your employer.

Step 3

Apply for a visa

Note: Processing times vary considerably depending on the diplomatic mission and the amount of work involved. Please check the website of the relevant embassy for more information.

Step 4 - in Germany

Entry to/arrival in Germany

  • Issuance of an entry visa for the purpose of skilled employment.
    - A valid health insurance policy must be presented in order for the entry visa to be issued.
    - After entering Germany, a new health insurance policy must be taken out in Germany.
  • Book your trip to Germany.

Step 5

Apply for a residence permit at your place of residence

  • Register your place of residence in Germany with the Residents' Registration Office (within two weeks of your arrival): Residents' Registration Offices in Brandenburg
  • Book an appointment with the relevant immigration office: Immigration offices in Brandenburg
  • Request a list of the required documents from the Foreigners' Registration Office and prepare them
  • Apply for a residence permit to pursue qualified employment (Section 19c (2) of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 of the Employment Regulation).
  • The fees can be up to €100 (Section 45 ff of the Residence Regulation).
     

Note: The residence permit must be applied for before the entry visa expires.

Links and brochures

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Find your relevant embassy

Websites of German missions abroad

Recognition finder

‘Recognition in Germany’: For skilled workers (anerkennung-in-deutschland.de)

Recognition counselling abroad: ProRecognition

In some countries, there are local recognition advisory services: ProRecognition advisory services

Explanatory video: The accelerated skilled worker procedure

The shorter route to Brandenburg (must be applied for by the future employer): to the YouTube video

Find the responsible embassy

Websites of the German missions abroad

Required knowledge of German

Depending on the type of visa, different levels of German language skills are required:

Find the responsible foreigners authority

BAMF-NAvI - authorities

Contact

IQ Service Centres for Skilled Worker Immigration North-West & South-East

Residents' registration offices

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Immigration office

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