Are you an Indian citizen who wants to work in Germany? Do you have a job offer or a contract from a German employer? If yes, then you will need to apply for a German work visa and a residence permit before you can travel to Germany and start your employment.
Germany is one of the most attractive destinations for skilled workers from India, offering a high standard of living, a strong economy, and a diverse culture. However, moving to Germany for work requires some planning and preparation, especially when it comes to the visa process.
In this article, we will explain how to apply for a German work visa from India, what are the requirements and documents you need, and what are the steps you need to follow.
Who Can Apply for a German Work Visa from India?
A German work visa is not available for everyone in every situation. Only Indian citizens who meet certain criteria can apply for a German work visa from India. These criteria include:
Having a job offer or contract from a German employer that matches your qualifications and skills. The job offer or contract should specify the duration, salary, and working conditions of your employment in Germany. OR
Having a recognized university degree or equivalent qualification that matches an equivalent qualification in the German education system. You can check if your degree is recognized in Germany on the Anabin online database or obtain a Statement of Comparability from ZAB (German Central Office for Foreign Education).
Having sufficient knowledge of the German language (at least level A2 as of 2023) or being exempted from this requirement if your job does not require it. Nursing professionals should possess level B1 proficiency in German.
Having sufficient funds to cover your living expenses in Germany until you receive your first salary. You can prove this by opening a blocked account, obtaining a formal obligation letter from your employer in Germany, or showing your bank account statements.
Having adequate health insurance that covers your medical needs in Germany. You can prove this by obtaining a private or public German health insurance or a private foreign health insurance that meets the requirements of being equivalent to a German public health insurance.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for a German work visa from India and start your journey to work in Germany.
What is a German Work Visa?
A German work visa is a type of national visa that allows Indian citizens to enter Germany for the purpose of gainful employment. A national visa is different from a Schengen visa. Schengen visa only allows short-term stays of up to 90 days within the participating Schengen states.
The initial German work visa you get from India is usually valid for three months, during which you can apply for a residence permit at the local foreigner’s office in Germany after arrival. A residence permit is a document that grants you the right to live and work in Germany for a longer period of time, usually up to four years or according to the duration of your employment contract.
There are different types of work visas and residence permits for Germany, depending on your qualifications, skills, and occupation. Some of the most common ones are:
Work Visa: This is the general category for skilled workers who have a recognized university degree or equivalent qualification and a job offer or contract from a German employer.
EU Blue Card: This is a special category for highly qualified workers who have a recognized university degree or equivalent qualification and a job offer or contract from a German employer with a minimum annual salary of 56,800 Euros (or 44,304 Euros for shortage occupations such as engineers, IT specialists, doctors, etc.).
Job Seeker Visa: This is a category for skilled workers who have a recognized university degree or equivalent qualification and want to look for a job in Germany. This visa allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months and attend interviews or apply for jobs. However, you cannot work with this visa and you need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
How to Apply for a German Work Visa in India?
The application process for a German work visa in India consists of the following steps:
Schedule a Visa Appointment You must schedule a visa appointment with the German mission responsible for your state. You can find the list of German missions in India and their administrative and consular states here. Depending on the mission, you may have to book your appointment online through their website or through a certified visa application center (such as VFS Global).
Collect the Required Documents for a German Work Visa Before you can submit your visa application, you must collect a set of required documents. These documents include:
Your valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 12 months validity left at the time of submission of the application)
Two copies of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
Three passport pictures according to biometric specifications (no older than six months).
Cover letter from applicant explaining the exact course of action to find employment in Germany as well as further career plans should stay in Germany be unsuccessful
Proof of academic qualification and work experience (from a German university or equivalent to a German academic degree) and relevant previous work experience certificates for future employment in Germany (for recognition of non-German degrees kindly refer to www.anabin.de)
(if applicable) Personal CV containing full education and employment history
Proof of accommodation in Germany for the initial period of 30 days
(if applicable) Proof of financial means to cover the costs for the time of your stay by one of the following documents:
Blocked account for the sum of 5,604 Euros
“Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in Germany
bank account etc.
(if applicable) Proof of personal status in India, birth certificate of applicant, Aadhar card (with English translation)
Proof of health insurance - ONE of the following documents:
Proof of a private German health insurance which fulfills the below mentioned requirements and starts at your tentative travel date OR
Proof of a public German health insurance, which consists of a letter from your German healthcare provider, as well as a travel health insurance for the first three weeks. OR
Proof of a private foreign (including Indian) health insurance including the policy you choose which fulfills the below mentioned requirements and starts at your tentative travel date
When does a health insurance meet the requirement of being equivalent to a German public health insurance?
No limit to the reimbursement in case of sickness
If the insured person becomes sick, no deductible higher than 300€ per year can be demanded
Pre existing conditions must be included
No clause for termination regarding the insured person reaching a certain age, change of residence permit or loss of residence permit
The Insurance cover cannot have any time limit (or needs to be automatically renewed)
Complete the Visa Application Forms You will need to fill out two application forms for your work visa: the national visa application form and the declaration form. You can download these forms from the website of the German mission in India or get them from the visa application center. You must complete and sign both forms and attach them to your application.
Pay the Visa Fee You will need to pay a visa fee of 75 Euros (or equivalent in Indian Rupees) for your work visa application. You can pay this fee by cash or demand draft at the time of submission of your application. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please make sure to cross-check with the corresponding German Consular website for the actual amount, as it may vary.
Attend the Visa Appointment You must attend your visa appointment in person at the German mission or the visa application center where you booked your appointment. You must bring along your original documents, copies, and passport. You will also have to submit your biometric data (fingerprints) and answer some questions about your application.
How Long Does It Take to Process a German Work Visa in India?
The processing time for a German work visa in India may vary depending on the type of visa, the completeness of your application, and the workload of the German mission. Generally, it may take between 8 to 12 weeks for your visa to be processed. Therefore, you should apply for your work visa well in advance of your planned travel date.
What to Do After Receiving Your German Work Visa?
Once you receive your German work visa, you can travel to Germany and start working for your employer. However, you will also need to apply for a residence permit at the local foreigner’s office in Germany within three months of your arrival. You will need to bring along your passport, visa, employment contract, proof of accommodation, proof of health insurance, and biometric photos.
You will also have to pay a fee for your residence permit.
A residence permit will allow you to live and work in Germany for up to four years or according to the duration of your employment contract. You can also extend or renew your residence permit if you meet the requirements.
What to Do If Your German Work Visa Application Is Rejected?
In some cases, your German work visa application may be rejected by the German mission or the visa application center. This may happen due to various reasons, such as:
Missing or incomplete documents
False or misleading information
Insufficient funds or health insurance
Lack of qualification
If your German work visa application is rejected, you have a few options to consider:
Review the Rejection Letter: Carefully review the rejection letter provided by the German mission or visa application center. It should outline the specific reasons for the rejection. Understanding the grounds for rejection will help you determine the appropriate steps to take.
Appeal the Decision: In some cases, you may have the option to appeal the decision. The rejection letter should provide instructions on how to appeal and the timeframe within which you must submit your appeal. Follow the instructions and provide any additional documentation or information that may strengthen your case.
Reapply with Corrected Documents: If your application was rejected due to missing or incomplete documents or false information, you can rectify the issues and reapply. Make sure to address the reasons for rejection and provide all the required documents accurately and completely.
It's important to note that specific steps and procedures may vary depending on the individual case and the reasons for rejection. Consulting with the German mission or visa application center and seeking professional advice will provide the most accurate guidance for your particular situation.
Conclusion
Applying for a German work visa from India is not a complicated process if you follow the steps and requirements outlined in this article. However, you should always check with the German mission in India or the official website of the Federal Foreign Office for any updates or changes in the visa regulations.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to apply for a German work visa from India and what are the documents and procedures involved. We wish you all the best for your work and stay in Germany!
