For Section 18a, provide qualifying German vocational training or recognised equivalent foreign vocational qualification. Provide a specific qualified job offer in Germany. Auxiliary tasks do not qualify; the job need not be related to your qualification. Obtain the actual professional permission where required for the intended regulated activity. Evidence of eligibility alone does not replace a required issued licence. 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. 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. Standard national visa fee: EUR 75; check reductions/exemptions with the mission. Residence-permit fees are separate. Living-funds evidence is not a government fee. Processing and appointment waits vary by mission, case and workload; no universal duration is established by the reviewed federal guide.
Standard national visa fee: EUR 75; check reductions/exemptions with the mission. Residence-permit fees are separate. Living-funds evidence is not a government fee.≈ $81
Processing and appointment waits vary by mission, case and workload; no universal duration is established by the reviewed federal guide.
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(1)Recognized Vocational Qualification
DocumentMandatoryFor Section 18a, provide qualifying German vocational training or recognised equivalent foreign vocational qualification.
Verified official
Qualification
(2)Over 45: salary or pension provision
ConditionalApplies 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.
Verified officialQualified Job Offer
MandatoryProvide a specific qualified job offer in Germany. Auxiliary tasks do not qualify; the job need not be related to your qualification.
Verified official
Preparation
(3)Identity and passport
DocumentMandatoryProvide valid recognised passport/passport-substitute and identity/nationality evidence required by the competent mission.
Verified officialProfessional License
DocumentConditionalObtain the actual professional permission where required for the intended regulated activity. Evidence of eligibility alone does not replace a required issued licence.
Verified officialHealth Insurance
DocumentMandatoryProvide accepted health insurance from entry into Germany and appropriate coverage for employment/residence. Confirm bridging travel insurance and evidence with the competent mission.
Verified official
Application
(3)Public-order requirements
MandatoryThe 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.
Verified officialFederal Employment Agency Approval
ConditionalWhere BA approval is required, the authority must obtain it; BA checks salary, hours and comparable domestic employment conditions.
Verified officialVisa Application
ConditionalApply 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.
Verified official
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Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
Make it in Germany — Visa application, entry exceptions and insurance
Make it in Germany — Federal Government portal
Entry requirements depend on nationality/purpose; EU/EFTA and privileged nationality rules differ. General identity/passport, livelihood and no-expulsion-ground checks; EUR75 standard long-stay visa fee with exceptions; health insurance from entry and mission-approved bridging cover. Appointment/processing waits vary.
Make it in Germany — Work visa for qualified professionals
Make it in Germany (Federal Government portal)
Section18a/18b qualified employment: recognised qualification, concrete qualified job not necessarily related to qualification; regulated licence where required; BA approval as applicable; over45 first work entry requires2026gross salary55770EUR OR adequate pension. Entry/visa exceptions separate.
Official links
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