General information

There are two categories for work permits: general employment and self-employed.

Australian citizens should generally apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority, without applying for a visa beforehand. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Please note that until the work permit has been issued you will not be able to work yet. If you want to start working immediately after your arrival in Germany, you should apply for a visa about 8-10 weeks prior to the intended departure.

General employment

Acceptance of foreign nationals in the general employment category is based on the economic needs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The two basic conditions are:

• Vocational or academic qualification
• A concrete offer of a contract of employment

Which documents do I have to submit with my application?

Please do not staple the documents!

• completed and signed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
• your national passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• proof of visa status in Australia (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” (declaration on contract of employment) completed and signed by the employer
• proof of your professional qualification (for example: university diploma) - original plus 1 copy
• proof of employment in Australia
• Proof of recognition of the foreign qualification:
  One print out each from the anabin database for the degree AND the university:
  • You can enquire on the database ANABIN (only in German) if your foreign degree of higher education is comparable AND if the institution of higher education is recognized.
  • If your degree is not evalutated in this database, you will need to apply for an individual evaluation of your degree in order to obtain a “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications”.
  • If you wish to exercise a regulated profession (e.g. human medicine), you will need to have your degree recognized for Germany. You can find out whether your profession is regulated in the Recognition Finder on the “Recognition in Germany” portal. This website then also provides information about the recognition process. Detailed information can also be found on the Portal “Make it in Germany”.
• evidence of health/ travel insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) - including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.

Please note that we can process only complete applications; if you hand in your application with one or several documents listed above missing, you will have to come again for a new appointment.

What else should I know?

• If your spouse and/or children are going to accompany you, you must submit a complete set of application documents for each family member. Please provide the original and one copy of the marriage certificate and the children's birth certificate.
• Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
• Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is aimed at highly qualified candidates, i.e. non-EU nationals holding a German or otherwise recognised equivalent university degree. For more information go to EU Blue Card

Self-employment

To work on a self-employed basis, your proposed business must:

• Have a beneficial economic impact
• Fulfill the needs of the Federal Republic of Germany or specific regional or local needs
• Be fully covered by your own financial means or a bank loan. Proof of financial means/bank loan required.

To ensure the sustainability of your business project, the following criteria will also be taken into consideration:

• Viability of your business plan
• Your relevant business experience
• Amount to be invested in Germany
• Impact of your business project on employment and skills
• Contribution of your project to innovation and research

You will need the following documentation:

• completed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
• Original of your Passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) plus 1 copy of the data page
• proof of visa status in Australia (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• Detailed description of your business project, including an expectation of how your project meets the above criteria
• Proof that you possess the necessary financial means for the business
• If you are over 45 years of age, you must also provide evidence of adequate pension provision
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.

As the necessary documentation may regionally differ, you are advised to contact the Aliens authority at the place where you intend to take up residence prior to your visa application.

A residence permit for self-employed business purposes is valid for a maximum of three years. It can be indefinitely extended if your project is successful.

Self-employed freelancers including artists

If you want to be self-employed as a freelancer e.g in the arts field you can apply for a residence permit for freelance work. This residence permit is granted if you can prove that you have the means to fund your project, to support yourself and you are qualified to exercise your profession. If you are over 45 years old, you must also provide proof that you have adequate provision for old age.

Where can I apply?

• All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
• Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney.

Which documents do I have to submit with my application?

Please do not staple the documents!

• completed and signed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
• your national passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• proof of visa status in Australia (if you are not an Australian citizen)

• Detailed business plan outlining the project/ business idea and the projected revenue (if any) for the first year

• Professional curriculum vitae

• Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in case no sufficient revenue can be generated

• Proof of qualification, e.g. university degree, training certificate, experience certificates, reference letters

• If applicable: further supporting documents depending on the specific case, such as:
  For applicants seeking employment in a regulated profession: original permission to exercise a profession (Berufsausübungserlaubnis) issued by the competent recognition body (for further information on regulated professions and the competent authorities, please check the Recognition Portal)

• evidence of health/travel insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) - including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)

• If you are 45 years or older: evidence of adequate retirement benefits (e.g. offer from a private pension or life insurer, own assets, acquired pension rights or operating assets); ultimately, at the age of 67, you must have either a monthly pension of 1280.06 Euro payable for at least 12 years or assets totalling 187,682.00 Euro (1 copy)

• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.
• revenue forecast
• financing plan
• bank statements of the last 3 months
• letter of future clients, contracts etc. (if applicable)

Au-Pair visa

If you intend to work as an au-pair in Germany, you should apply for a au pair visa / residence permit. In order to qualify for this visa category, you must be between 18 and 27 years old and prove that you have a basic knowledge of the German language. The duration of your stay in Germany must be a minimum of 6 months and not exceed 12 months.

Australian citizens should apply for an au pair visa/residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Only in exceptional circumstances should citizens of these countries apply at the German Consulate General in Sydney (see below) before entering Germany.

If you apply for your residence permit in Germany, please note that you are not allowed to work until your residence permit has been issued.

Citizens of other countries are required to apply and obtain the visa prior to entry.

Processing of the visa application in Australia can take several months, depending on approval from German authorities.

Where can I apply?

• All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
• Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney

Which documents are required?

Please do not staple the documents!

• completed and signed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view)
• your national passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• proof of visa status in Australia (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• if applicable - written proof of your German language skills (for example letter from your school/language school)
• written confirmation from your placement agency or contract with your host family; the contract must include details about salary, working hours, accommodation and health insurance
• Au-pair questionnaire to be filled out by the host family
• Evidence of health/travel insurance valid in Germany (including details about coverage: at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs and including coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.

Please note that we can only process complete applications; if you hand in your application with one or several documents listed above missing, you will have to come again for a new appointment.

What else should I know?

• Once approved, the visa will usually be issued for an initial period of up to three months. After your arrival in Germany you must contact your local authority for foreigners where your visa will be converted to a residence permit covering the entire duration of your stay.
• Upon your arrival in Germany, the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay (e.g. copy of your au pair employment contract).
• Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.

Visa for an internship in Germany

Australian citizens should apply for an internship visa/ residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Only in exceptional circumstances should citizens of these countries apply at the German Consulate General in Sydney (see below) before entering Germany.

If you apply for your residence permit in Germany, please note that you are not allowed to work until your residence permit has been issued.

Citizens of other countries are required to apply and obtain the visa prior to entry.

Processing of the visa application in Australia can take several months, depending on approval from German authorities.

Where can I apply?

• All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
• Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney

Which documents are needed?

Please do not staple the documents!

• completed and signed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• recent passport photograph (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
• your national passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• proof of visa status in Australia (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• internship contract from German company (including full address of the company) where you intend to have your internship, also indicating the salary
• Letter from your Australian university confirming that internship is part of the course (if applicable)
• evidence of health/travel insurance valid in Germany covering the first 3 months - including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
• proof of accommodation in Germany (e.g. renting contract, hostel reservation, invitation letter in case of private accommodation)
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.

Please ensure that your application documents are complete! Incomplete applications may result in rejection of the visa application.

Job Seeker's visa

As of 1 August 2012, graduates with a German or other recognized university degree or a foreign degree comparable to a German degree will be eligible to enter Germany to seek employment. Holders of a jobseeker's visa may stay in Germany for up to six months to seek employment.

To obtain a jobseeker's visa applicants must provide proof of their university degree and proof of financial means for the intended duration of stay (at the moment 1,027 EUR per month). While seeking employment jobseekers are not permitted to work, neither employed nor self-employed.

Australian citizens can apply for a work visa / residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and the United States of America.

Citizens of other countries have to apply and obtain the visa prior to entry.

This visa is aimed at highly qualified candidates, i.e. Non-EU nationals holding a German or otherwise recognized equivalent university degree. The visa enable the holder to remain in Germany for a period of six months in order to find appropriate employment.

General information on graduate immigration is available via the portal for qualified professionals www.make-it-in-germany.com

Where can I apply?

• All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
• Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney

Which documents are needed?

Please do not staple the documents!

• Valid Passport (validity of which should still be for at least 6 months from the intended arrival in Germany) - original plus 1 copy of the data page
• recent passport photo (35 x 45 mm, front facial view)
• proof of visa status in Australia (if you are not an Australian citizen)
• Proof of stay in Australia (e.g.employment/ student confirmation)
• completed application form
  Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
  Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand.
• Curriculum vitae of professional career, specifying the certificates, diplomas, etc. you have obtained
• German or otherwise recognized equivalent university degree
• Proof of recognition of the foreign qualification:
  One print out each from the anabin database for the degree AND the university:
  • You can enquire on the database ANABIN (only in German) if your foreign degree of higher education is comparable AND if the institution of higher education is recognized.
  • If your degree is not evalutated in this database, you will need to apply for an individual evaluation of your degree in order to obtain a “Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications”
  • If you wish to exercise a regulated profession (e.g. human medicine), you will need to have your degree recognized for Germany. You can find out whether your profession is regulated in the Recognition Finder on the “Recognition in Germany” portal. This website then also provides information about the recognition process. Detailed information can also be found on the Portal “Make it in Germany”.
• Detailed motivation letter providing information on the planned course of action to secure a job (sector, region, intended place of residence/accommodation etc.)
• Any additional evidence of further preparations made to find a job in Germany
• Full travel-health insurance covering the whole period of stay (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19. Please highlight relevant passages in the insurance terms and print only the relevant pages)
• Proof of financial means (currently 1,027 EUR per month)
• prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
• visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.

Please ensure that your application documents are complete! Incomplete applications may result in rejection of the visa application.