Immigration Germany for Skilled Workers Skilled approved 24

Skilled workers from India can immigrate to Germany through two distinct categories: one for individuals with professional training and another for those with academic degrees.

For skilled workers with professional training, you must have completed a recognized vocational training program. According to German regulations, this training must have a minimum duration of two years.

For skilled workers with academic degrees, you must provide proof that your degree is either recognized in Germany or equivalent to a German university degree.

Eligibility for Residence Permit

Skilled workers can only accept job offers classified as “eligible employment.” You may be granted a Residence Permit in Germany as a skilled worker if:

Your foreign qualification or degree has been officially recognized.
You have received a specific job offer and obtained the “Contract Employment Declaration” from your employer.
If your profession is regulated (e.g., healthcare), you have received or are guaranteed authorization to practice that profession.
You meet the general requirements for foreign nationals, such as holding a valid passport and having secured means of support.
You must ensure you meet all criteria and have the necessary documents before submitting a visa application.

Germany Opportunity Card

Introduced on June 1, 2024, the Opportunity Card is similar to the Germany Job Seeker Visa. It allows foreign nationals to stay in Germany for up to one year to seek employment or obtain recognition for their foreign qualifications.

Immigration to Germany for Skilled Workers

Pathways to Obtain the Opportunity Card:

Pathway 1:

Non-EU/foreign nationals with foreign qualifications equivalent to German standards can apply through this option. Under Section 18(3) of the Residence Act, such applicants are considered skilled workers. They are not required to meet additional criteria, such as demonstrating language proficiency.

Pathway 2:

All other applicants must provide proof of having completed a degree from a foreign university and a vocational qualification of at least two years. Both qualifications must be recognized by the country where they were obtained. Alternatively, applicants may present a vocational qualification issued by one of the Overseas German Chambers of Commerce.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in basic German (A1 level) or English (B2 level).

Candidates with a Job Offer

If you already have an employer, they can submit a fast-track application on your behalf under the skilled worker category to the local Foreigners Authority. This authority will assist your employer in submitting the application for recognition of your foreign certificate or degree.

The relevant authorities are required to decide on the approval and recognition within specific deadlines. The fee for the fast-track process is €411, in addition to the fees for recognizing your qualifications.

Once all requirements are met, the Foreigners Authority will issue preliminary approval, which your employer will provide to you.

You can schedule your visa application appointment once you have received the preliminary approval from the German authorities. This appointment must be booked at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence within three weeks of receiving the approval.

At the appointment, you will need to present the original preliminary approval letter along with the required documents. According to regulations, the overseas mission must process your application within three weeks. The application fee is €75.

The fast-track process for skilled workers is available for the following categories: