Germany Immigration for Skilled Workers

Sanjay Yadav
[Published 25 Jul, 2024 | 02:38 PM]
About Author - 5 min read
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Skilled workers can immigrate to Germany from India through two categories. The first category is for those who have professional training and the second is for those who have academic degrees.

If you are a skilled worker having professional training, you must have completed a professional training program that's officially recognized. As per German law, it must have a minimum duration of 2 years.

If you are a skilled worker having academic degrees, you have to offer proof that you have a recognized degree from a University or that is on par with a German degree.

Eligibility for Residence Permit

Skilled workers have to only accept those job openings that are regarded as “eligible employment”. You can be offered a Residence Permit in Germany for skilled workers that allow you to work in Germany if:

• Your overseas certificate or degree has been formally recognized
• You have already been offered a precise job offer; you have to obtain the “Contract Employment Declaration” from your employer
• You have written authorization to exercise your profession and you intend to work in what is known as a regulated profession, for instance, Healthcare. Alternatively, you must have been assured expressly that you will get this authorization.
• You fulfil the respective criteria for overseas nationals that is you possess a lawful Passport, assured means of support, etc

You must not file a Visa application till you confirm that you fulfil all the criteria and can provide all the supporting documents.

Germany Opportunity Card

The Opportunity Card was launched by the Government of Germany on 1st June 2024 and is similar to the Germany Job Seeker Visa. It authorizes overseas nationals to remain in Germany for 1 year to seek a job or means to get recognition for their professional overseas credentials.

Two pathways are available to get the Opportunity Card:

Pathway 1:

Non-EU/Overseas citizens who can demonstrate that their overseas credentials are on par with standards in Germany can apply through the first option. They are regarded as skilled workers as per the 18(3) Section of the Residence Act. Such applicants are not required to fulfill any special criteria; particularly evidence of language proficiency is not needed.

Pathway 2:

Rest all applicants are required to offer evidence of having completed a degree from an overseas university and a minimum 2-year vocational qualification. Both have to be recognized by the nation wherein these credentials have been obtained. Alternatively, they can have a vocational credential offered by one of the Overseas German Chambers of Commerce.

Further, applicants have to possess proficiency in basic German (A1 level) or in English (B2 level)

Candidates with a job offer

If you have by now got an employer, you can allow the employer to submit a fast-track application on your behalf under the skilled worker category with the authority for foreigners locally. This authority will advise your employer to be helpful in submitting an application for recognition of your overseas certificate or degree.

The concerned authorities have to decide on approval and recognition within specific deadlines. The fee for the fast-track process is Euros 411. Further, there are fees for recognizing your certificate or degree.

The Foreigners Authority will offer the preliminary approval after confirming that all prerequisites have been fulfilled. This will be shared with you by the employer.

You can book the appointment for the Visa application after you have received the preliminary approval at the German overseas mission in your nation of residence. The appointment has to be scheduled within 3 weeks of receiving the approval.

At the appointment, you have to offer the original letter of preliminary approval along with other documents. According to the policy, the overseas mission has to decide your application within 3 weeks of receiving it. The application fee is Euros 75.

The following are qualified for the fast-track process for skilled workers:

• Skilled workers having professional training
• Skilled workers having academic training
• Highly eligible workers
• Scientists/Researchers
• Managers
• Professional training courses
• Measures for obtaining recognition of overseas professional credentials

If you wish to move to Germany as a Skilled Worker from India, contact the Best Immigration Consultants in India Nationwide Visas.

Read more:- What are the benefits of the Germany Opportunity Card?