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Visa: work
This website provides information about the following work visa categories: employment, vocational training, jobseeking, research, self-employment, freelancing, voluntary service, au-pair and foreign qualification's recognition measures.
Are you interested in working and living in Germany? Extensive information can be found HERE.
Visa application process
The following five steps will guide you through your visa application process.
Step 1: Determine your visa category
Please consult the visa navigator to determine which visa category you should apply for. The visa navigator can be found HERE.
Step 2: Prepare your visa application
Please choose the correct visa category from the menu on this website's bottom and prepare your visa application accordingly.
Step 3: Register for/book an appointment
Please register on the application appointment waiting list/book an application appointment at the German mission which is responsible for you:
- You live in Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit- Baltistan or Azad Jammu and Kashmir? Then the German Embassy in Islamabad is responsible for your visa application. Please register for an appointment HERE.
- You live in Sindh or Balochistan? Then the German Consualte General in Karachi is responsible for your visa application. Please book an appointment HERE.
To gurantee a fair appointment allocation to all applicants, please be aware that if you register for/book an appointment in the wrong visa category and/or at the wrong mission, you will be turned away and your application will not be accepted on your appointment day. In that case, you will have to register for/book a new appointment in the correct visa category.
Step 4: Submit your application
Please make sure to bring all required documents with you and be on time on your application day. Further information about how to access the Embassy can be found HERE.
Step 5: Wait for your visa
Please be patient and do not inquire about your visa application status before two months after your visa application appointment. As soon as your visa application has been processed, you will be notified and receive back your passport.
Work Visa Categories and Checklists
You have a recognized university degree and already found a job in Germany?
You have a recognized university degree and already found a job in Germany?
Employment for Skilled Workers Holding a University Degree (NO EU Blue Card)
You have a recognized vocational qualification and already found a job in Germany?
Employment for Skilled Workers with Vocational Qualification
You have found a vocational training programme in Germany?
You have a recognized university degree or vocational qualification and would like to find a job in Germany?
You have a hosting agreement or work contract with a research institute in Germany?
You would like to start a business or work as a freelancer in Germany?
You would like to do a voluntary service in Germany?
You would like to do an au-pair in Germany?
You would like to work as a Speciality Cook in Germany?
You have an assessment note by a competent authority in Germany and would like your professional qualification to be recognized?
You hold no recognized university degree or vocational qualification but have work experience in the IT field?