The Fachkraft Route to Germany
Germany's Skilled Worker Visa covers every professional with a recognised qualification — from certified vocational training to degrees. It is the backbone of German immigration: secure, family-friendly and directly on the path to permanent residence.
§18a–18g
Residence Act Basis
2 yrs
Residence → PR Route
All Trades
Eligible With Recognition
Full
Family Rights
Key requirements
The essentials before you begin. Each one gets validated and handled by our team.
Recognised Training
Degree or vocational qualification recognised in Germany.
Contract
Job offer matching your recognised qualification.
Recognition
ZAB/HPA/state recognition — issued before or within the visa period.
Salary
Market-rate salary for the role (no minimum for most trades).
How we get you through it
A transparent, step-by-step process with a dedicated case officer from start to decision.
Recognition
Your qualification mapped to a German equivalent certificate.
Offer
Employer and contract validation against the role title.
Visa
Submission at the German mission and decision tracking.
Settle
Registration, social security, family reunion and PR clock start.
How long it really takes
Realistic timeframes per stage — updated live as your application moves.
Recognition
4–16 weeksVisa
4–10 weeksArrival
1 monthPR
4–5 yearsQuestions, answered
The Skilled Worker Visa is the umbrella — the general work visa and regulated professions both live under it.
Ready to start your application?
Recognition is the key that unlocks the Fachkraft route. Let's get yours stamped.