Germany Work Visa
The Germany work visa allows you to either pursue employment or business in Germany once you meet the visa requirements. Before we get into the details of the Germany work visa application process, let's have a look at the facts about the country.
| Key Facts | Information |
| Capital | Berlin |
| Currency | Euro (1 EUR = INR 92.26) |
| Language | German, English |
| Time Zone | Central European Summer Time (GMT +2) |
| Best Cities to Work/ Live | Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, etc. |
| Prominent Sectors/ Industries | Engineers, IT Professionals, Physicians, Nursing professionals, Scientists, etc. |
| Validity Period | Schengen Visa (short-term stay): Up to 90 days German National Visa (long-term stay): More than 90 days. In certain cases, up to 1 year |
| German Visa Standard Processing Time | Schengen Visa (short-term stay): 15 working days German National Visa (long-term stay): up to 4-12 weeks (depending on the visa type) |
Germany Work Visa Fee
To successfully apply for a Germany work visa, you will have to pay certain fees. They are:
| Visa Type | Fee |
| Schengen Visa/ C Visa (Short-term Stay) | EUR 90 (INR 8,297) Additional charge: VFS Service Fee: INR 1,722 |
| German National Visa/ D Visa (Long-term Stay) | EUR 75.68 (INR 6,977) Additional Charges: VFS Service Fee: INR 912 D-Visa Logistic Fee: INR 1,265 |
Types of Germany Work Visa
There are two types of Germany work visas. They are:
| Type | Description | Maximum duration of permitted stay |
| Schengen Visa/ C Visa (short-term stay) | Foreign nationals who intend to pursue a business in Germany | Up to 90 days |
| German National Visa/ D Visa (long-term stay) | Foreign nationals who possess a valid job offer/ intend to work in Germany | More than 90 days. In certain cases, up to 1 year |
Documents Required for Germany Work Visa for Indians
Here is a general checklist of documents required to submit during the Germany work visa application process. You must check your documents list as per your preferred visa type, i.e., either for short-term (i.e. business) or long-term stay (i.e. employment/ work).
Germany Work Visa Application Form
2 copies of duly filled and signed VIDEX application form for your preferred visa type, i.e., business and work type visa.
Valid Passport
- Your passport must be valid for another year from the date of Germany visa application.
- The passport must have 2 empty pages to affix the visa.
- Passport with front data page observations cannot be accepted.
- Copy of the biometric and address page of the passport [(applicable for Schengen (C-type visa)]
3 Identical Passport Size Photographs
As per biometric specifications:
- 35 mm to 45 mm in size
- The print resolution must be 600 dpi
- The background should be one neutral colour and bright
- Tinted glasses/ sunglasses are not permitted
- No headgear (except for religious reasons)
- Must not be older than 6 months.
Proof of Financial Resources (Applicable for Work Visas)
You must present at least EUR 1,160 per month (before taxes) as proof of sufficient funds. The source could be one of the following:
- A work contract
- Proof of self-financing (confirmation of a blocked account in Germany)
- Formal obligation letter by a sponsor who resides in Germany
Proof of Financial Resources (Applicable for Business Visas)
A sponsor letter and other related documents are required if you are sponsored by any one of the third parties, namely:
- by an Indian Resident
- by a German/ EU Resident
- by a company in India
- by a company in Germany
Annexure of Employment Visa (For Work Visas)
Duly filled in Annexure of Employment Visa
Employment Contract (For Work Visas)
Valid employment contract from a registered company in Germany.
Curriculum Vitae (For Work Visas)
A copy of the CV and other relevant documents submitted during the application.
Declaration Form (For Work Visas)
- Additional Contact and Legal Representation Information
- Information pursuant to Section 18 (2) no. 4a of the Residence Act
Invitation Letter (For Business Visas)
- Enlisting all the business activities proposed to be conducted
- Detailed schedule of business meetings (only for stays longer than 30 days)
Proof of Accommodation (For Business Visas)
Rental proof of holiday home, campus residence, private accommodation, hotel reservations, etc.
Valid Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Get your travel health insurance from one of the approved Indian travel insurance companies.
Approval Letter (If Applicable)
The letter must be provided to you by your respective company/ employer.
German Language Proficiency
- Level A2 - For foreign professional qualifications
- Level B2 - For vocational training
How to Apply for a Germany Work Visa for Indians?
You can apply for a Germany Work Visa from India directly through the German Mission in India or the VFS Global Centre. The application procedure is similar for both short and long-term visa types.
Step 1: Select your German Visa Type
Ensure you choose the correct visa type that aligns with your purpose of visiting Germany. For instance, the 'Schengen or C visa' type is for the purpose of business and the 'National or D visa' type is for employment/work. If you are applying for a National Visa, you will be called for a personal interview at the German Embassy.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Collate all the documents as listed in the checklist of employment visa (D-visa type) and business visa (Schengen visa, i.e. C-visa type).
Step 3: Register and Schedule an Appointment
You must register your account on the VFS Global Portal, fill in the details, and then proceed to schedule your appointment online (Note: You can also visit the centre or avail of the VFS doorstep services). Also, if the applicable visa fee has not been paid already, you should pay it at the time of the appointment. Keep the payment receipt with you for future perusal.
Step 4: Visit the Centre
On the day of your appointment, bring a copy of the visa application form and the checklist along with other supporting documents. It is recommended that you reach the centre at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
Step 5: Complete your Biometric Registration
To complete the visa application process, you will need to complete your biometric enrollment procedure. Keep a note of the reference number generated to track your application.
Step 6: Wait for the Update
Once you have successfully submitted your application, wait for it to be processed. Processing times may vary depending on your preferred visa type.
How to Track the Status of Germany Work Visa for Indians?
You will receive an update via email or via SMS (if availed) stating the decision of the VFS Application Centre.
If you want to track your Germany work visa application status online. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Visit the Track Your Application section of VFS Global, Germany.
- Fill in your reference number (refer to the receipt/ invoice issued by the Portugal visa application) and your last name.
- Enter the captcha and click on submit.
Germany Work Visa for Indians: FAQs
-
Q1: Where can I find job offers in Germany?
Ans: You can find job listings on the 'Make it Germany' portal or other recognised job portals. Federal Employment Agency also provides comprehensive advisory services, free of charge. They will guide you right from the application until you start to work and live in Germany. -
Q2: My Germany work visa application was rejected. How should I proceed?
Ans: Once you receive an official letter of rejection, you can do any of the following- Apply again for a new visa
- Request for a reassessment
- File a lawsuit against the refusal
-
Q3: What is the standard processing time for a Germany work visa?
Ans: The standard processing time for a Schengen Visa or a business visa takes up to 15 working days, and a German National Visa or a work/employment visa takes between 4-12 weeks. -
Q4: What is 'recognition' in the Germany work visa application process? Do I need it?
Ans: There are certain professions where you will need to fulfil additional requirements to take up employment in Germany. Refer to the 'who needs recognition' and 'recognition procedure' to learn more. -
Q5: What should be mentioned in my employment contract?
Ans: The work contract or employment contract must contain the following details: your name, the commencement date of the contract, and the working conditions (salary, working hours (weekly), holidays, etc.). You can refer to more details in the 'Work Contract' section.
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