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Visa for Employment as a Skilled Worker
General Information
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- A recognized academic degree or a recognized vocational qualification in Germany
- Employment in Germany that matches your qualifications
- A specific job offer in Germany
- Please note that there are academic degrees that are considered vocational qualifications in Germany.
Required Documents
To apply, you will need the following documents:
In your application form (VIDEX), you provide all information regarding your entry and stay in Germany. You must complete this form and print it out once.
If you are a minor, your legal guardians must sign the application and give their consent.
A current biometric photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm front facial view with a light background), stamped, not older than 3 months. Digitally altered pictures will not be accepted.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of visa issuance. Please note that the document must have at least two blank pages (your visa will be affixed here upon a positive decision).
If you do not possess Canadian citizenship, please provide us with your Canadian residence permit.
Please also provide the original residence permit in Canada on the day of your appointment.
Proof of your residence in Canada can be, for example, your Canadian driver's license, electricity bill, water bill, or gas bill.
Please sign the following declaration and bring the original with you to the appointment:
Please have this form filled out by your future employer. The information about the job description must clearly indicate the intended activity!
Form: download here
Your job description must be in German or English and include the exact profile of duties and the requirements for you as an employee. Typically, you can obtain such a job description from the employer's HR department.
Please provide us with your resume in English or German.
This document can be, for example, the diploma of your degree program. If you obtained your degree from a university outside Germany, both the degree and the university must be recognized. For more information, see the required documents “Recognition of the University Degree (anabin)” and “Recognition of the University (anabin).”
The translation of your university degree into English or German or vocational qualification must be done by a sworn translator.
For University Degrees:
You can check whether your university degree is recognized in Germany through the anabin database. The Anabin evaluation of your degree must state “Equivalent” or “Comparable.” Please print the search result from the database and bring the printout with you.
If you cannot meet this requirement, please contact the German authority responsible for the recognition of foreign degrees: KMK
For Vocational Qualifications:
You need a written recognition notice from the relevant authority for professional recognition in Germany. You can find this authority at www.Anerkennung-in-Deutschland.de
For University Degrees Only:
You can check whether your foreign university is recognized in Germany through the Anabin database. The Anabin evaluation of your university must state “H+”. Please print the search result from the database and bring the printout with you.
If you cannot meet this requirement, please contact the German authority responsible for the recognition of foreign degrees: KMK
If you are over 45 years old and your gross annual salary is not at least €53.130 per year (2025), please provide evidence of retirement provisions.
If you have preliminary approval from the Federal Employment Agency, you may submit this as well.
A license to practice is only required for exercising a regulated profession in Germany, such as in the fields of medicine and law. You will obtain this document from the relevant recognition authority in Germany. Please check the information portal “Anerkennung in Deutschland” to see if your profession is regulated.
More information: annerkennung-in-deutschland.de
Individuals with statutory health insurance coverage are adequately insured from the first day of employment. Please provide proof of your statutory health insurance coverage.
If you enter the country before your statutory health insurance coverage begins, you must obtain appropriate supplemental insurance.
If you are planning a long or permanent stay, some travel health insurances may exclude coverage in their terms. This limitation may also apply to “incoming” insurance, so please ensure you have sufficient coverage with your supplemental insurance.
In certain cases, additional documents may be required.
Processing Time
Due to the regular need for approval from authorities in Germany, you should generally allow 4 weeks for the processing of your visa application (calculated from the submission of the complete application documents at the foreign representation).
Fees
See Fees for Visa applications at the Consulate General Toronto
Online Application and Appointment Booking via the Consular Services Portal
You can apply for the visa online through the Consular Services Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. After uploading your application and documents, your information will be checked for completeness. Any ambiguities will be clarified directly through the Portal. Once all documents have been verified online, you will receive an invitation link for appointment booking via the Portal.
During the subsequent appointment at the foreign representation, only your identity will be verified, your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected, and the fee will be paid. Please also make sure to provide the original documents (listed in the checklist which is provided to you along with the appointment booking invitation link).
Click here for online application via the Consular Services Portal