Federal Republic of Germany · work sponsored
Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG)
General sponsored work residence permit for qualified non-EU workers with a German job offer.
Last reviewed:
Overview
The §18a (skilled workers with vocational training) and §18b (skilled workers with academic qualifications) residence permits cover qualified non-EU workers whose occupation aligns with their qualification. The 2023–24 Skilled Immigration Act broadened eligible occupations and removed the strict match between qualification and role for many sectors.
Government fees
Visa €75; residence permit €100.
Typical duration
Usually up to 4 years or contract length plus 3 months.
Primary source
Make it in Germany — Work visa for qualified professionals · BMWK / Federal Government
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
Recognised qualification (vocational for §18a, academic for §18b) or equivalent professional experience.
Qualifying German job offer.
For some professions, prior recognition of foreign qualification via Anerkennung process.
Common blockers
Regulated occupation without completed Anerkennung.
Role genuinely unrelated to qualification (narrower barrier post-reform but still possible).
Typical evidence
Recognised qualification documentation.
Employment contract or binding offer.
Proof of language if required for role.
Application pathway
Step 1
Check qualification recognition (Anerkennung)
For regulated professions (doctor, nurse, teacher, engineer in some Länder), complete Anerkennung. For non-regulated, confirm the qualification is comparable.
Step 2
Secure qualifying job offer
Employer sponsorship is via signed contract rather than a separate sponsor licence.
Step 3
Apply for entry visa
Submit to German consulate with contract, qualification evidence, passport.
Step 4
Enter Germany and register
Anmeldung within 14 days.
Step 5
Obtain residence permit
Book Ausländerbehörde appointment to convert visa into residence permit card.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak German?
Not universally. For non-regulated occupations, German is often not required for visa approval but is frequently needed for everyday work life. Regulated professions — especially healthcare — typically require at least B1 or B2 German.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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