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Employment in Germany
–NEW PROCEDURE as of Jan. 01, 2005

Visa needed?

All persons who wish to seek gainful employment in Germany are required to obtain a residence permit in the form of a visa. Where needed, a work permit will be included in the visa issued for this purpose.

Where to apply?

Citizens of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, as well as EU citizens may apply for their residence permit for work purposes after entering Germany without a visa. Citizens of other countries are required to apply and obtain a visa for work purposes prior to entry (an option also open to US citizens) at the German Embassy in Washington, the Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York or San Francisco.
Click here to find out where to submit your application and to learn about any specific application procedures. Due to local particularities handling and processing may vary slightly among the German missions involved.

How to apply?

Except for rare instances, you have to submit your application in person. Upon submission of all required documents the application will be forwarded to the Aliens' Office (Ausländeramt) competent for your intended place of residence in Germany. Applications take about 1-3 months to be processed.

After the application has been approved by the Aliens' Office and –if applicable- by the Work Office, the Embassy / Consulate will issue a residence permit in the form of a visa, which will include the authorisation to work in Germany. No extra work permit has to be obtained in Germany.

Scientists holding a scholarship by a German scientific organization may be granted a visa within a few days by the Embassy or Consular Mission.

Required Documents

- two fully completed application forms (pdf file)and required declaration in duplicate

- two passport photographs (strict requirements, see details)

- valid national passport and one copy

- additional for non-US citizens: original of valid US alien registration card or valid US resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, O, R) and one copy

- employment contract or letter of intent from your future employer in Germany and one copy

- US police certificate of good conduct (available from your local police precinct) and one copy

- Visa fee:

Please note: In individual cases, you may be required to provide additional documents.

FAQ