Documents Needed for a Work Permit in Germany

If you've managed to get yourself a job in Germany, Congratulations!

But before you can go over there and start your new life, you'll need to get your work permit. This permit is to show that you're legally allowed to work over there, and the government knows about you being there.

The "work permit" is not exclusive to Germany, but here's what you need if you want to get one.

Who Needs a German Work Permit?

First of all, you may not need to get a work permit at all, or you might be able to get one after entering. Any country within the EU can work in Germany without needing a work permit. This is due to the "freedom of movement" laws in the EU.

Most other people will need to get their work permit before entering. However, there are exceptions, which we'll be discussing later.

Step by Step Guide for Getting a German Work Permit

1. Apply for a job in Germany.

The best way to do this is to go for an industry where the skills required are of high demand but low supply among the German people.

2. Apply for the visa and pay the required fee. You can find all the required application forms online, but if you're struggling, feel free to get in contact with us, and we can help you.

3. Gather all the required documents. These are listed below.

4. Book an interview with your German embassy. Here you will be asked a series of questions to determine whether or not you'll be likely to be granted a working visa. Please contact us if you have any worries about your interview.

5. Attend your interview. Make sure you make it clear to them that you'll be an asset to the German economy.

6. Wait for around two weeks. After this period the verdict will come back on whether you've been granted a German work permit.

Documents Required for a German Work Permit.

· Application form

The first thing you'll need is two application forms; these need to be both completed and signed.

Proof of identity

Your passport is to make sure you are who you say you are. Germany does not want fraudsters who pretend to be someone else.

To double-check your passport is valid, you will also need to provide at least two additional passport photos.

· Proof of Insurance (and the like)

In Germany, Healthcare works on an Insurance basis, similar to the USA. If you don't have health insurance, the state will need to pay for your healthcare; they don't want to do this. That's why you need to have your healthcare insurance sorted before you come over.

You will also need to show a proof of residence so that you have somewhere to live, a document from the federal employment agency, and your proof of payment for your visa. You will also be required to give them a declaration of accuracy. A "declaration of accuracy" is to say that if you have knowingly lied, you will be held liable.

· Proof of employment

As well as being able to prove you'll be stable, you need documents to confirm you will be working.

This will, of course, include the contract between yourself and your employer, such a contract will consist of your salary, company benefits, and other important information.

You will also need to be able to provide a copy of your CV and proof of your qualification; this will likely be a degree certificate or a certificate given at the end of a manual skills training scheme.

· Proof of good character

If you're living in Germany, they don't just want you to work; they also want you to be a valuable part of German society. For you, not only your money.

Very few people will want to live next to a criminal. So, to show that you're safe, you need to provide them with an empty criminal record. Generally speaking, if you're a 30-year-old who did a bit of shoplifting when you were 15, it won't matter. But if you've killed someone, that's a different matter.

You will also need to prove (with a document) that you can speak the German language.

Rules That You Should be Aware of When Applying for a German Work Permit.

There are a few rather strange rules about applying for a German work permit, and they vary depending on where you're from.

If you're from an EU country, you don't need one. You're allowed to travel and work in any other EU country, and let's be honest here, it's unlikely Germany is leaving the EU anytime soon.

If you're a citizen of the following countries, you can get your work permit after entering Germany. Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and South Korea. Everywhere else will need to get their work permit before they can come over. You can contact immigration lawyers to help you understand the process what applies to you.

Why You Should Apply for a German Work Permit.

We've just gone into so much detail about the how that we've not stopped to think about the Why.

When you've been working in Germany for a few years, you'll be able to start your application for German Citizenship. This will enable you to live and work anywhere within the EU.

But economics aside, Germany is an amazing country. Not only do they have some of the most jaw-dropping nature, but the history is fascinating to learn about, and the people are some of the nicest you'll meet.

Important Information About the German Work Permit Application.

Before getting your work permit, you will first need to show that you have a job. Germany doesn't want someone to come over on a work permit, and not work. Should you lose your job, then you will likely also lose your right to stay in Germany.

So, make sure you have a job lined up before coming over, and make sure if you wish to stay in the long-term, your job is likely to last for a long time.

If you specialise in an industry such as hospitality or basic labour, it's unlikely you'll get a work permit as these are the kinds of jobs that they would rather have filled by German citizens.

The type of people who are most likely to be given in a work permit are people who specialise in areas in which people are of high demand but low supply.

Conclusion

If you want to live and work in Germany, I can understand why.

The documents needed for a work permit in Germany are two completed and signed application forms, two passport photos, a passport, proof of residence, health insurance, employment contract, a document from the federal employment agency, your CV, proof of qualification, a clean criminal record, proof of payment for your visa, proof of language ability, and a declaration of accuracy. The whole process of getting a work permit in Germany might be overwhelming, and you might be confused about the right steps to take, feel free to contact our team of Immigration Solicitors for assistance.