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Residence routes
Routes to Germany for employers
The main routes for skilled workers from countries outside the EU. In the first call we place your need and give general information on the routes. The legal check of the individual case and the decision lie with the authorities.
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Overview
The six main routes.
As of November 2026. Not legal advice: the competent authorities or a law firm assess the individual case. Sources: official German legislation website (German Residence Act, German Employment Ordinance).
- Section 18a of the German Residence Act · Skilled worker with recognised vocational qualificationFor skilled workers whose vocational qualification is recognised in Germany.
- Sections 18b and 18g of the German Residence Act · Academic skilled worker · EU Blue CardFor skilled workers with a recognised or comparable university degree.
- With work experience · Section 19c(2) of the German Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 of the German Employment OrdinanceFor experienced staff with at least two years of work experience in the last five years and a qualification state-recognised in the home country (at least two years of training), in non-regulated occupations without recognition in Germany, with a minimum salary or, for employers bound by collective agreement, collectively agreed conditions, and with approval by the Federal Employment Agency.
- Section 16d(3) of the German Residence Act · Recognition partnershipFor skilled workers with a qualification state-recognised in the home country who start the recognition procedure at the latest after entry. You agree with the skilled worker that they can take part in the required qualification measures during employment.
- Section 16a of the German Residence Act · Training in GermanyFor applicants who start dual vocational training in your business.
- Section 20a of the German Residence Act · Opportunity CardFor skilled workers and people with enough points who enter to look for work. Allowed: side employment up to 20 hours a week and trial employment of up to two weeks each. Secured livelihood and a language certificate are required.
The procedure
Who acts when, and where we coordinate.
Order and steps depend on route and occupation.
| Step | You | DastN | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Need and profile | employer defines role and qualification | gives general information | |
| 2. Selection and contract | employer and skilled worker: interviews, decision, employment contract | schedules appointments | |
| 3. Recognition | skilled worker, if the route requires it | supports with documents and appointments | recognition body decides |
| 4. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency | employer provides job details and employment contract | coordinates the documents (approval procedure or procedure under Section 81a of the German Residence Act, depending on the route) | Federal Employment Agency · immigration office decide |
| 5. Visa | skilled worker books the appointment and applies | supports | German mission decides |
| 6. Entry and residence title | skilled worker registers residence and applies for the title | accompanies | immigration office decides |
| 7. Start at work | employer and skilled worker: onboarding | accompanies the first weeks and follow-up |
1. Need and profile
- You
- employer defines role and qualification
- DastN
- gives general information
2. Selection and contract
- You
- employer and skilled worker: interviews, decision, employment contract
- DastN
- schedules appointments
3. Recognition
- You
- skilled worker, if the route requires it
- DastN
- supports with documents and appointments
- Authority
- recognition body decides
4. Approval by the Federal Employment Agency
- You
- employer provides job details and employment contract
- DastN
- coordinates the documents (approval procedure or procedure under Section 81a of the German Residence Act, depending on the route)
- Authority
- Federal Employment Agency · immigration office decide
5. Visa
- You
- skilled worker books the appointment and applies
- DastN
- supports
- Authority
- German mission decides
6. Entry and residence title
- You
- skilled worker registers residence and applies for the title
- DastN
- accompanies
- Authority
- immigration office decides
7. Start at work
- You
- employer and skilled worker: onboarding
- DastN
- accompanies the first weeks and follow-up
How the routes fit together
Under the recognition partnership (Section 16d(3) of the German Residence Act), recognition begins at the latest after entry. In the procedure under Section 81a of the German Residence Act (legally the "accelerated skilled worker procedure"), the employer files the application with the immigration office; where necessary, it initiates recognition. The procedure does not apply to every route. Deadlines and decision lie with the authorities. Professional drivers have their own route under Section 24a of the German Employment Ordinance, see logistics. More under skilled worker procedure.
Common questions
Questions on the routes.
It depends on qualification, work experience and occupation. In the first call we place your need and give general information on the routes. The authorities decide.
No. The individual case is assessed by the competent authorities or, if you wish, by a law firm of your choice.
Your skilled worker books the appointment at the German mission abroad and applies. We support with the organisation and accompany them through the process. The authorities decide whether a visa is issued. More under visa service.
That depends on the route, occupation and country of origin, and largely lies with the authorities. In the first call we walk you through the steps in order so you can plan.
Fee per successful placement, plus VAT. You receive your offer in writing once your needs and the scope of services are clear. More on the costs page.
First call
Let's talk about your hiring plans.
In a first call we look at what you need and which steps fit your situation.
We prepare every step carefully; the decisions are issued by the competent authorities.