Germany Work Visa

Germany, being the stalwart of economic progress and development, has become a hub for professionals, entrepreneurs and start-ups. In spite of being the largest economy in Europe, it has scarcity of trained manpower. Citizens of countries like Australia, USA, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Israel, Switzerland and Republic of Korea can apply for residence permit for work after they have entered Germany without a visa. The citizens of other country have to apply for the visa to gain entry. The residence permit would have the detailed information about the work and the extent of work which would be allowed to the applicant.

Types of German Work Visa

Permits for general employment
Such kinds of work permit do not need the applicant to be highly qualified. But the applicant needs to apply for the residence permit along with the work permit. Vocational education is a must. Also, the applicant’s case would be considered if there is no one in EU/EEA or Switzerland for the post. The firm offer is necessary from a German organization to process the visa. Generally, the permit is granted for a year and extended as long as the applicant stays in the country. Later, the applicant can apply for a settlement permit or EU right of residence for indefinite stay in the country. The applicant needs to contact the Germany embassy for information and application for the residency permit, present in their home country.

Permits for University Graduates
These permits for university graduates are valid only for those students who have a degree from a reputed foreign university and they have sufficient amount of funds to finance them for six months. They are allowed to stay in Germany for six months and look for job offers. But they are not allowed to pursue any job activity during the searching phase. Once the applicant has found employment, he/she can apply for a residence permit in Germany. As from August 1, 2012, if the applicant has degree from a recognised university which is comparable to a German degree, as well as a firm job offer with annual gross earnings of least EUR 46,400, he/she can apply for the residency permit.

EU Blue Cards
A university degree from a German university along with the guaranteed job in Germany is necessary to apply for the EU blue card. There are several advantages of having it. Firstly, it gives the residency permit for four years. Secondly, permanent residency after 33 months is guaranteed. Thirdly, the applicant can also stay outside Germany in non-EU countries for 12 months without the EU Blue card expiring. Fourthly, the family members of the applicant can also come to Germany without any restriction.

Permits for highly skilled workers
Those applicants who would be earning more than EUR 84, 6000 are entitled for the permit. They can also claim for being a resident for five years before applying for a settlement permit. The applicant needs to have a specific job offer and the permission of the Federal Employment Agency.

References

http://www.expatica.com/de/visas-and-permits/Work-in-Germany-getting-a-German-work-visa_100900.html
http://www.germany-visa.org/work-employment-visa/
http://www.nrwinvest.com/Business_Guide_englisch/Coming_to_NRW/Visa_for_Employees1/index.php