New rules for the immigration of skilled workers to Germany are in place since early 2020. The new law extends the opportunities for qualified professionals from outside the European Union to come to work in Germany.

Before applying for a visa under the new rules, interested candidates need to obtain official recognition of their professional qualification from the competent German authorities. Information about the procedures can be found on www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de. Interested professionals should start these procedures early.

Applications can only be accepted with complete documentation. Applicants whose application is not complete will generally be asked to complete the documents and make a new appointment.

You have to apply in person. Please provide the following documents in the order mentioned.

⬜ 2 completed and signed application forms (see https://videx-national.diplo.de/ ), a valid passport with 2 copies

⬜ 2 biometric passport photos with light background (Biometric photos)

⬜ Proof of a travel health insurance (not yet needed at the application)

as well as the following documents in original or certified copy, provided with 2 copies each (all documents in foreign languages need to be translated into German language by a certified translator, also with 2 copies each):

⬜ A signed contract of employment with specific details of the job function, salary and duration of employment

⬜ form 'Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis' (to be filled in and signed by the employer) plus 1 copy

⬜ Curriculum Vitae

⬜ in case of non-academic qualification: Proof of formal recognition of your foreign professional qualification by the relevant German authority (www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de). Please note that the notice issued for the recognition has to be provided at application, as it is the basis for the process. It is not possible to hand it in later.

⬜ in case of academic qualification: Proof of the qualfication, for example University diploma, and its recognition in Germany (anabin). Please note that it may be necessary to apply for a formal decision, if your University and your diploma is not mentioned (Central Office for Foreign Education).

⬜ If applicable: Advance Approval of the German Federal Agency for Work. Can be applied for by the employer.

⬜ Proof of the applicant’s employment/educational and residential situation in Cyprus

⬜ Proof of sufficient language knowledge for the intended work (could therefore be German or English)

⬜ Details of qualifications entitling the applicant to the aspired occupation in Germany (e.g. if university degree does not correspond to the intended work)

⬜ Proof of accommodation/rental agreement (accommodation mentioned in a letter of the employer will be sufficient)

⬜ Proof of health insurance valid from date of arrival (German Statutory/National or Private health insurance

Please do not send documents to the Embassy without having been asked to do so beforehand.

Depending on the circumstances of the application, further documents may be asked for.

Processing time is generally one month, sometimes longer. Please apply early so that you can start your employment at the time planned.

Each application is examined carefully. As soon as a decision has been made, the applicant will be informed by the Embassy.

Please refrain from queries about your application before 1 month has passed. They delay the processing of all applications.

For the processing of the visa application a fee of 75.00 Euro applies, which is payable on the day of application. In case of the rejection of the application, this processing fee will not be reimbursed.

There are many different possibilities for employment visas. Should you not have the a.m. documents, but still want to take up employment in Germany, please turn to

Visa Navigator

in order to find out if there is a possibility for you.