§18a AufenthG

Skilled Worker Visa (Vocational Qualification)

Fachkräfteeinwanderung (Berufsqualifikation)

What employers need to know

The §18a residence permit is for non-EU professionals with a recognised vocational qualification (Berufsausbildung) — such as nurses, electricians, mechanics, or technicians. The qualification must be formally recognised as equivalent to a German vocational degree.

Typical timeline: 4-7 months (recognition process is the bottleneck)

The law, simplified

Section 18a AufenthG allows non-EU nationals with a recognised vocational qualification to work in Germany. The qualification must be formally recognised as equivalent to a German Berufsausbildung by the competent recognition authority (zuständige Stelle). The worker needs a concrete job offer in a related field. Since the 2024 reform, workers with at least 2 years of professional experience and a state-recognised qualification from their home country can also qualify, even if full equivalence has not yet been established. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit conducts a working conditions check.

Your obligations as employer

1Provide a job offer in a field related to the recognised vocational qualification
2Ensure working conditions match those of comparable German employees
3Complete employer declaration for labour market check
4Support the recognition process if the qualification has not yet been fully recognised

Candidate requirements

✓Vocational qualification recognised as equivalent to a German Berufsausbildung — or state-recognised qualification + 2 years experience (since 2024)
✓Concrete job offer in a related field
✓Valid passport and health insurance

Required documents

From the employer

■Employment contract or job offer
■Job description
■Employer declaration (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis)

From the candidate

■Valid passport
■Biometric photos
■Recognition decision (Anerkennungsbescheid) from the competent authority
■Vocational certificates with apostille/legalisation and certified translation
■Employment contract
■Health insurance proof
■Proof of accommodation

Process steps — who does what

Qualification recognition

relokate

Apply for recognition of the vocational qualification with the competent German authority (IHK FOSA for commercial professions, trade chambers for crafts, state authorities for regulated professions like nursing). Processing: 3-4 months.

Job search and contract

Employer

Find a position matching the recognised qualification. The employer provides a contract.

Visa application

Candidate

Apply at the German embassy with recognition decision and employment contract. Labour market check by Bundesagentur is part of the process.

Entry, Anmeldung, and permit

relokate

Enter Germany, register address, apply for residence permit at Ausländerbehörde.

EmployerCandidateAuthorityrelokate

Common pitfalls

Recognition takes months: Berufsanerkennung typically takes 3-4 months and is the single biggest delay — start as early as possible

Partial recognition: If only partial equivalence is established, the candidate may need to complete an adaptation measure (Anpassungsmaßnahme) in Germany first — consider §16d instead

Regulated professions: Nursing, engineering, and other regulated professions have additional requirements beyond the standard recognition

Wrong recognition authority: Each profession has a different competent body — IHK FOSA for commercial, HWK for trades, state ministries for health professions

Frequently asked questions

How long does vocational qualification recognition take?

The recognition process typically takes 3-4 months from submission of a complete application. For regulated professions (nursing, engineering), it can take longer if adaptation measures are required.

What if the qualification is only partially recognised?

If partial equivalence is established, the candidate can apply for a §16d recognition partnership visa to come to Germany and complete the remaining qualification measures while already working part-time.