Federal Republic of Germany
Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG) processing time
1–3 months typical for consular decisions on skilled-worker visas (§ 18b AufenthG and related provisions).
Typical window
4 weeks – 3 months
Government fees
Visa €75; residence permit €100.
Last checked
20 April 2026
Priority / premium notes
Recognition of foreign qualifications (anabin assessment or profession-specific recognition) may need to be completed before applying.
What drives the timeline
Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG) sits in the work sponsored category. Typical duration: Usually up to 4 years or contract length plus 3 months.. Indicative government fees: Visa €75; residence permit €100..
- Requires a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Workers with vocational qualifications (IT specialists, trades, healthcare), University-educated professionals not meeting Blue Card salary threshold.
Primary source
Make-it-in-Germany — Skilled Worker visa
https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/skilled-workers
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG) take to process?
1–3 months typical for consular decisions on skilled-worker visas (§ 18b AufenthG and related provisions). These figures come from Make-it-in-Germany — Skilled Worker visa and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Recognition of foreign qualifications (anabin assessment or profession-specific recognition) may need to be completed before applying.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.