§ 18 Residence Act
The work visa according to Section 18 of the Residence Act applies to skilled workers with recognized professional qualifications or university degree who have a concrete job offer from a German employer. This visa cannot be applied for without a job offer – then a job search visa or opportunity card applies.
Who does this visa apply to?
The work visa according to Section 18 of the Residence Act is the standard visa for qualified employees. However, there are several alternatives that are more suitable in certain situations – especially the Blue Card for university graduates with high salaries.
Who applies for a work visa – and who should consider an alternative
Blue Card – check alternativeWork visa vs. Blue Card
Both types of visa allow employment in Germany. The difference lies in the salary, the path to obtaining a settlement permit and the flexibility when changing jobs.
Work visa
EU Blue Card
Requirements
Three things must be present before the embassy appointment makes sense: the job offer, recognition of the degree and the completed visa form. None of these can be submitted later at the embassy appointment.
| document | Note |
|---|---|
| Valid passport + 2 copies of the data page | Min. Valid for 6 months after the end of your stay |
| 2 biometric photographs | Current, white background, 35×45 mm |
| Completed visa form | Fill out online, print out, sign |
| Employment contract or binding job offer declaration | Signed by the German employer |
| Notice of recognition of the professional qualification | Or evidence of ongoing procedures with a positive prognosis |
| Professional qualification certificate + certified translation | Sworn translation into German |
| CV in German | Tabular, current |
| Visa fee | €75 (cash or card, depending on the embassy) |
The application process
The employment contract or a written advance confirmation from the German employer forms the basis of the visa application. Without this document, no embassy appointment.
Depending on the profession, recognition is carried out by the IHK, HWK, Medical Association or the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). Duration: 4-12 weeks. Initiate parallel to the embassy appointment.
For regulated professions, the professional license is mandatory before entry - not after entry.Book an appointment as early as possible – in countries with a long waiting period, immediately after the contract has been concluded. Waiting times: 4-16 weeks depending on country of origin. Reserve the appointment, then complete the documents.
Check full list. Translations must come from a sworn translator. No document can be submitted later at the appointment - missing documents will result in rejection or a new appointment.
The conversation usually lasts 20-40 minutes. Documents are checked and fingerprints and photos are taken. The passport remains with the embassy. Processing time after appointment: 2-6 weeks.
After entry: Register your residence at the residents' registration office (14 days mandatory). Then apply for a residence permit (Section 18 Residence Act) at the immigration authority. The work visa allows entry – the residence permit allows you to stay.
You have a job offer and want to clarify what happens next.
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As of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.