5 steps for successful labour migration

Working as a specialist with professional experience in the state of Brandenburg

If you have found a job in Germany and have completed qualified vocational training or a course of study outside of Germany, you can apply for a visa according to § 18a AufenthG or § 18b AufenthG and work in Germany as a specialist. 

The general requirements (Section 5 (1) AufenthG) for entry to Brandenburg are Passport, proof of financial means, no existing reason for deportation. In order to successfully obtain a visa for labour migration to Brandenburg, you should already have an employer who is seeking a reliable employment relationship with you. Before applying for an entry visa, clarify which qualifications are recognised and which language skills are required for the intended job.

Step 1

Check requirements

  • Recognition of professional qualifications (equivalence or comparability of the foreign university or professional qualification, possibly a licence to practise)
  • Information on the recognition of university degrees: Anabin.kmk.org
  • Information on the recognition of professional qualifications: For skilled workers (anerkennung-in-deutschland.de)
  • A specific job offer in Germany or a valid employment contract
  • Note the minimum salary for people over 45 years of age

Step 2 (in the home country)

Appointment request at the German Embassy

Note: Find out about the expedited procedure for skilled workers – with the help of your employer, this can shorten the entry process.

 

Step 3

Apply for a visa

Please note: The processing time varies considerably depending on the mission abroad and the processing effort involved. Please check the website of the relevant embassy

Step 4 - in Germany

Entry to/arrival in Germany

Issuance of an entry visa for the purpose of taking up skilled employment.

  • A valid health insurance policy must be presented in order to obtain the entry visa.
  • After entering the country, 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 residential address in Germany with the residents‘ registration office (within two weeks of arrival)
    - Residents’ registration offices in Brandenburg
  • Book an appointment with the relevant immigration office
    - Find the immigration office responsible for you: BAMF-NAvI - Authorities
  • Find out which documents are required from the immigration office and prepare them
  • Apply for a residence permit to take up skilled employment (Sections 18a, 18b of the Residence Act).
  • Fees can be up to €100 (Section 45 ff of the Residence Ordinance)

 

Note: The application for a residence permit must be submitted before the entry visa expires.

Links and brochures

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Recognition in Germany

Information portal for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications: For skilled workers (anerkennung-in-deutschland.de)

Recognition counselling abroad: ProRecognition

In some countries, there are local recognition advice centres: ProRecognition advice centres.

Explanatory video: The accelerated skilled labour procedure

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

Arriving in Brandenburg: Welcome to Brandenburg advice centres

PDF document with regional contacts in the Brandenburg districts

Residents' registration offices

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