Work visa for skilled workers in Germany: with vocational training or a degree
Trained as a nurse, electrician, cook or IT specialist? How the skilled worker visa works, recognition of your qualification and the fast-track procedure.
Last checked: November 1, 2026
Who it is for
Germany is looking for skilled workers in many jobs: care, trades, IT, transport, hotels and restaurants, and more. If you have a vocational qualification or a degree and a job offer, a visa for skilled workers (Fachkraft, § 18a or § 18b AufenthG) may be your way in.
What you usually need
- A job offer from an employer in Germany.
- Your qualification recognised in Germany as equal or comparable. For many jobs, the recognition procedure (Anerkennung) comes first.
- For a regulated profession, such as nursing, a licence to practise it.
- Since 2024 there is another path: with at least two years of work experience and a qualification recognised by the state in your country, you can come without German recognition first, if the employer pays enough or follows a collective agreement.
- From age 45, for your first job in Germany: a minimum salary or proof of a pension.
Recognition while you work
If your qualification is only partly recognised, a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft) lets you come and work while you complete the missing parts in Germany. Your employer must agree to it.
The fast-track procedure
With your power of attorney, your employer can start the fast-track procedure (beschleunigtes Fachkräfteverfahren) at the Ausländerbehörde in Germany. It speeds up recognition and the embassy appointment. It costs a fee, which employers often pay.
How a lawyer in Germany helps
A lawyer can tell you which path fits you: recognition first, a recognition partnership or the experience path. They check your contract, prepare the papers for the embassy and work with your employer on the fast-track procedure.
Questions people ask
Do I need to speak German?
For most skilled worker visas the law sets no fixed level, but employers and recognition often need German. Some paths, such as the recognition partnership, need basic German (A2).
How long does it take?
It depends on the embassy and on recognition. With the fast-track procedure, the embassy usually gives you an appointment within three weeks after the pre-approval.
Can my family come?
Usually yes: your spouse and children under 18. Depending on your permit, your spouse may need basic German (A1); there are exceptions.
Official information
General information, not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different: a lawyer checks yours.