Labour Migration
Besides the EU Blue Card there are further residence titles that permit employment in Germany. Which one fits is decided before entry.
At a glance
Legal basis
Two routes
Vocational qualification (Section 18a) or academic degree (Section 18b)
Approval
Without a priority check for skilled workers (Section 39(2))
First step
National visa at the German mission abroad
Often required
Recognition of the foreign qualification
For companies
Accelerated skilled worker procedure under Section 81a
Labour migration: choosing the right residence title
Besides the EU Blue Card there are further residence titles that permit employment in Germany. The Act essentially distinguishes two routes: skilled workers with a qualified vocational training under Section 18a AufenthG and skilled workers with an academic education under Section 18b AufenthG. Which route works depends on the qualification, the position and the country of origin.
Recognition often decides everything that follows
Both routes require the foreign qualification to be recognised or determined to be equivalent. This procedure runs separately from the residence procedure and needs its own lead time. Starting it too late costs months – regardless of how well the position fits.
We also assist with the procedure for the recognition of foreign qualifications.
From the visa to the residence title
If you are an employee and have found a position in Germany, we are glad to accompany you through the necessary national visa procedure at the German consulate in your country of origin, through to the appointment at the immigration office where the residence title is issued.
For skilled workers, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is granted without a priority check under Section 39(2) AufenthG. What is examined instead is whether the working conditions correspond to those of comparable domestic employees. Details on the page about the work permit.
For companies: the accelerated skilled worker procedure
Under Section 81a AufenthG the employer can apply for the procedure at the immigration office under a power of attorney from the skilled worker. The basis is an agreement between the employer and the authority. If documents are requested subsequently, the employer must be involved within three working days.
The advantage lies less in the sheer speed than in the reliability: the procedure brings the immigration office, the Federal Employment Agency and the mission abroad together in one place. Anyone who recruits from abroad regularly should know it.
Frequently asked questions about labour migration
When should we start as a company?
Before you make the offer to the applicant. Recognition, visa appointment and approval run one after another, not in parallel.
Is a bachelor’s degree enough?
For Section 18b what matters is a recognised or equivalent higher education degree. Whether the requirements are met is determined by the recognition body, not by the employer.
May the skilled worker bring their family?
Yes, under the rules on family reunification. With an EU Blue Card the spouse’s language requirement does not apply.
What applies to apprentices and students?
They have their own titles; details on the page Study and Training in Germany.
Do you offer training for HR departments?
Yes. In cooperation with the Munich Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the firm offers events for employers and HR managers on hiring and employing international staff.
