General requirements for German work visas
The requirements depend on the country you come from and the qualifications you have already obtained.
As an EU citizen, do I need a work visa?
As a citizen of the European Union, you are legally entitled to the so-called freedom of movement within the EU and can enjoy free and unrestricted access to the German job market. This comes with the huge advantage of not needing to apply for a visa or residence permit, either for your entry into Germany or to start a job. These regulations also apply to citizens of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.
Which regulations regarding work visas apply to non-EU citizens?
If you come to Germany from a country outside of the European Union, the question of whether you have permission to work in Germany essentially depends on two criteria: the first concerns the professional qualifications you have as an applicant, and the second is essentially related to the position being offered.
Access to the German job market as a non-EU citizen may be simplified if you fulfil certain conditions. Due to the shortage of skilled workers, this will mostly benefit academics and/or highly qualified professionals, who are particularly sought-after, such as engineers, natural scientists and (specialist) carers.
Visas for scientists and researchers in Germany
What do I need to consider for my visa as a PhD student?
Whether you need a visa for your PhD in Germany depends on the country you come from. EU citizens do not need a visa to move to Germany or to start their PhD study within the EU. If you come from a third country (outside of the EU), you should familiarise yourself with the relevant conditions for your home country as early as possible. As a rule, you initially apply for a temporary student visa, which can then be converted into a (temporary) residence permit once in Germany at a foreigners’ registration office (Ausländerbehörde).
Which visa will I need as a guest researcher in Germany?
If you would like to work in Germany as a guest researcher, you can apply for a so-called Schengen-Visa prior to your arrival, which is valid for a stay of up to three months. To stay for a longer period, a so-called “national visa” or “D visa” is required.
On the Foreign Office’s website, you can find information on visa requirements and fees for all countries.
What is a “Golden Visa”? Can I use this to work in Germany?
Through so-called “golden visa” programmes (also known as residence by investment schemes), some EU member states such as Cyprus and Malta have been selling residence permits and citizenships to wealthy investors via agencies, sometimes over the Internet, for sometime.
We cannot make a general statement as to whether such an opportunity to purchase a Schengen visa would make sense for you. However, as this business appears to be non-transparent in many respects, you should do some thorough research before making such an investment.
