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Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)
GermanyGermany•Europe
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Skilled Worker with Academic Degree (Fachkraft mit akademischer Ausbildung)

Skilled Migration Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €75

Stay Duration

Up to 4 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Germany flag

Living in Germany

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€36,000
Quality of Life
195/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-sponsored work permit for non-EU degree holders in Germany with a minimum salary threshold, valid up to 4 years with a route to settlement after 2-3 years.

The §18b visa lets non-EU professionals with a recognised university degree work in Germany on a concrete job offer. The role need not match the field of study unless the profession is regulated. A minimum gross salary of €45,630 applies; workers aged over 45 must earn €55,770 or prove adequate pension provision.

Issued for up to 4 years (or contract length plus 3 months if shorter), the permit is renewable. Settlement permit qualification arrives after 3 years of skilled employment, or 2 years for those who graduated in Germany. Spouses may join on a family reunification visa and work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for university-educated non-EU professionals who have a German job offer and want a renewable work permit with a clear path to permanent residency.

Germany

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Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Germany flagGermany

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years
Processing4 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details
Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis
Germany flagGermany

Settlement Permit (Permanent Residency) / Niederlassungserlaubnis

ValidityIndefinite
Processing2–6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Recognized German or equivalent foreign university degree

Concrete job offer for a qualified position in Germany (does not have to be related to your qualification, unless it is a regulated profession)

Minimum gross annual salary of €45,630 (€55,770 for applicants aged 45+ unless adequate pension provision is demonstrated)

Approval from the Federal Employment Agency if required

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

45,630 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Biometric photos

Signed employment contract

Declaration of employment (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) signed by the employer

Degree certificates

Proof of degree recognition (Anabin printout or ZAB Statement of Comparability)

CV

Proof of adequate retirement provision (if aged 45+ and salary is below the threshold)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Path to permanent residency
  • Family reunification allowed
  • Fast-track procedure available

Worth Knowing

  • Requires recognized degree
  • Tied to specific employer

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

2

Apply for visa at German mission

3

Enter Germany

4

Register residence

5

Apply for residence permit at local Ausländerbehörde

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