How to Get a Work Visa for Germany: Step-by-Step Guide

Germany is one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for skilled workers — and it’s not hard to see why. With its robust economy, international job market and high quality of life, more and more professionals are choosing to build a future in this thriving, vibrant country.

But before you can start working and living legally in Germany, there’s one major hurdle to clear: securing a work visa for Germany.

At Feather, we know the bureaucracy can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re new to the system. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to walk you through the full process, from checking your eligibility to registering your address and choosing the right health insurance (which is legally required).

In this guide, we’ll explore together:

• Who needs a work visa to live and work in Germany
• The different types of work visas — including the EU Blue Card
• Which documents you need and how to prepare them
• How to apply and what to expect from the application process
• Typical processing times and next steps after arrival
• How to register your residence and apply for your residence permit
• Why health insurance is essential — and how Feather makes it simple

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a tech specialist or relocating for a new role, this guide will help you cut through the red tape so you can focus on building your new life in Germany with confidence.

Let’s get started.

Who needs a work visa in Germany?

If you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland, here’s some good news: you don’t need a visa to live and work in Germany.

But if you’re from a non-EU country (like the US, UK, Canada, India or Australia), you’ll likely need to apply for a Germany work visabefore starting any employment. 

You’re eligible for a work visa if you:

• Have a concrete job offer from a German employer
• Can demonstrate relevant qualifications or work experience
• Can meet the language or salary requirements (depending on visa type)
• Have valid health insurance, either public, private or expat.

Types of Germany work visas

Germany offers several types of work or business visas, depending on your profession, skills and salary level. Understanding which one is right for you is essential.

General employment visa

This is for non-EU citizens who have a job offer in Germany and relevant qualifications. It applies to a wide range of industries, especially where there are skill shortages, such as the tech, healthcare and engineering sectors. 

Requirements:

• A confirmed job offer
• Recognition of your university degree or vocational qualification
• Salary in line with German standards

EU blue card

This is a fast-tracked, highly attractive visa for highly skilled professionals with university degrees and high salaries. It offers a number of benefits, such as quicker permanent residency.

Eligibility:

• Job offer with a gross annual salary of at least €48,300 (as of 2025), or €43,759.80 in shortage occupations (such as doctors, engineers, IT specialists)
• A higher education degree relevant to the job you’re applying for, from a recognised institution with at least 3 years of study.

Job-seeker visa

This six-month visa allows you to enter Germany to look for work. You can’t work during this time, but once you get an offer, you can apply for a work visa from within the country.

Top tip: If you’re already in Germany on a different visa type (such as a student or au pair visa), you may be able to convert to a work visa without leaving.

How to apply for a work visa for Germany

The application process may vary slightly depending on your country of residence, but the general steps are consistent.

Step 1: Secure a job offer

Before anything else, you need a signed contract or official job offer from a German company. This should include your role, salary and working hours.

Step 2: Check qualification recognition

Germany wants to ensure your qualifications match local standards. Use Anabin or Anerkennung in Deutschland to verify that your degree or vocational training matches these standards.

Step 3: Getting health insurance in Germany

Health insurance isn’t just a recommendation — it’s a legal requirement for working and living in Germany. The type of health insurance coverage depends on your employment status and income level:

• Public Insurance: If you’re moving to Germany with a job offer and will earn less than €73,800 per year, public insurance is your go-to option. It’s reliable, widely accepted, and covers everything you need to meet visa requirements.
• Private Insurance: For freelancers earning over €30,000 or employees earning above €73,800 annually, private insurance offers more flexibility and often faster access to specialists. It’s a great option if you can afford it, and especially appealing for high-income earners who want tailored coverage.
• Expat Insurance: Not quite employed yet or just getting started as a freelancer? Expat health insurance is an affordable and visa-compliant solution that’s perfect for bridging the gap. It’s also ideal for freelancers who find private insurance out of budget initially.

Use our insurance recommendation tool to determine which insurance you should consider based on your lifestyle.

Step 4: Prepare your documents

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport
• Two biometric passport photos that are 35mm x 45mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches) in size
• Job offer or contract
• Degree certificates or vocational qualifications
• Proof of experience (CV and/or reference letters)
• Proof of accommodation in Germany (rental contract or letter)
• Proof of financial stability (if required)
• Health insurance certificate.

Top tip: German embassies often request proof that your health insurance is valid before you apply. Feather offers visa-compliant, expat-friendly health insurance you can get in minutes — with documents ready for submission.

Step 5: Book an appointment at the German embassy

Contact the nearest German embassy or consulate in your home country. Due to demand, appointments may take weeks — so book early if you can!

Step 6: Attend your appointment

Bring all documents, your visa fee (around €75), and be ready to explain your job, qualifications, and plans. If successful, you’ll be granted a national visa, usually valid for 3–6 months, allowing you to enter Germany within that timeframe.

What happens after you arrive in Germany?

Your plane has landed, and you’re ready to start your new chapter in Germany: congratulations. But there are still a few steps to make your residency official.

Register your address (anmeldung)

Everyone living in Germany must register their home within 14 days of moving in. Go to your local Bürgeramt with:

• Your passport
• Rental contract
• Confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

You’ll receive a Meldebescheinigung — a proof of registration you’ll need for nearly everything else, including banking and visa extensions.

Apply for your residence permit

Even if you entered on a work visa, you must apply for a residence permit at your local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office). This is an essential step for all visa holders. This permit allows you to stay for a specific period — depending on the reason for your stay — and can range from one-year permits linked to a specific work contract to longer-term or even permanent residency, allowing you to continue to work legally. 

You’ll need:

• Your national visa
• Passport
• Proof of registration (Anmeldung)
• Job contract
• Health insurance certificate
• Passport photos measuring 35mm x 45mm
• Application form

Feather is here to help by supplying you with all health insurance documentation in English or German, tailored for your application.

How long does it take to get a Germany work visa?

Processing times vary depending on your embassy, nationality and the complexity of your application. On average, it takes:

• Embassy application: 4–12 weeks
• Residence permit (in Germany): 4–8 weeks

The process may be faster if you’re applying for an EU Blue Card.

Common Germany work visa mistakes to avoid

To stay ahead of the bureaucracy, be sure to avoid these pitfalls:

• Missing health insurance: Your visa can be rejected if your policy isn’t compliant. Avoid travel insurance — opt for an expat policy that’s tailored to your needs.
• Untranslated documents: Always translate diplomas and reference letters to German or English with certified translations.
• Applying too late: Book your embassy appointment as soon as possible. Delays are common.
• Not registering your address: This is the foundation for everything else — don’t skip it!

Why moving to Germany is worth it

Despite the paperwork, starting a new life in Germany comes with enormous rewards. Once you’re settled, you’ll enjoy:

• A stable, growing job market with excellent salaries
• World-class public infrastructure and healthcare
• Safe, clean cities with rich culture and history
• Access to the EU and Schengen Area for travel
• A work-life balance that truly values your free time

Whether you’re moving to Berlin for a startup role, Hamburg for engineering, or Munich for corporate opportunities, Germany offers more than just a job — it offers a chance to grow both professionally and personally.

Start your Germany work visa journey with confidence

At Feather, we believe your move to Germany should be exciting, not stressful.

That’s why we offer health insurance plans tailored for expats, with instant quotes, no hidden fees, and visa-ready documentation. Whether you’re applying from abroad or need to register your policy post-arrival, we’re here to help every step of the way.

Get covered with Feather today — and make your dream of working in Germany a reality.