Skilled Worker Visa (Section 18a AufenthG) Checklist

For Section 18a, provide qualifying German vocational training or recognised equivalent foreign vocational qualification.

Requirements — recognised vocational qualification / Section 18a

Applies if you are over 45 and first coming to work in Germany: gross annual salary at least EUR 55,770 in 2026 OR adequate pension provision.

Applies if you are over 45 and first coming to work in Germany: gross annual salary at least EUR 55,770 in 2026 OR adequate pension provision.

Requirements — older than 45, first work entry,2026 salary OR pension

Provide a specific qualified job offer in Germany. Auxiliary tasks do not qualify; the job need not be related to your qualification.

Requirements — qualified job; no required relation to qualification

Provide accepted health insurance from entry into Germany and appropriate coverage for employment/residence. Confirm bridging travel insurance and evidence with the competent mission.

Visa procedure — entry/bridging insurance and residence stage

Provide valid recognised passport/passport-substitute and identity/nationality evidence required by the competent mission.

General identity/nationality, recognised passport/passport substitute

Obtain the actual professional permission where required for the intended regulated activity. Evidence of eligibility alone does not replace a required issued licence.

Obtain the actual professional permission where required for the intended regulated activity. Evidence of eligibility alone does not replace a required issued licence.

Requirements — regulated profession licence before permit

Apply for a pre-entry visa where your nationality/purpose requires it; check privileged-entry exceptions. Obtain the required employment/self-employment permission before starting the activity.

Apply for a pre-entry visa where your nationality/purpose requires it; check privileged-entry exceptions. Obtain the required employment/self-employment permission before starting the activity.

Nationality/purpose-dependent visa entry; permission before activity

The authority checks grounds that may preclude residence, including public safety/order. Answer truthfully and supply evidence actually requested; this does not itself require a foreign police certificate for everyone.

General no-expulsion-ground/public-safety-order assessment

Where BA approval is required, the authority must obtain it; BA checks salary, hours and comparable domestic employment conditions.

Where BA approval is required, the authority must obtain it; BA checks salary, hours and comparable domestic employment conditions.

Federal Employment Agency approval — employment conditions