Transferring Qualifications
Germany has recently introduced a Recognition Act which acknowledges any professional and vocational qualifications that have been gained abroad. Although there is no organisation that deals with transferring qualifications, the Recognition in Germany portal has been set up to show expatriates where to go to get the recognition they need for their qualifications.
Employment Visa
All immigrants have to get the resident permit to work in Germany before arriving Germany in the form of Visa. The Embassy will issue the resident permit after approving the documents. The right to work in Germany and to what extent you can work will be detailed on your residence permit. The work permit will be related to the residential status of the individual.
The following are the different types of Work permits for Non-EU Residents
- General employment
- Skilled Professionals
- Self Employed / Business Owners
Work permit for General jobs
The jobs that don't require very high qualification are general jobs. One can be employed in any general jobs only when the vacancy can't be employed by any europeon citizen. It depends on the economic conditions of the country.
A vocational training is required for these kinds of jobs
The Basic required documents are
- Proof of Vocational qualification
- Letter of work contract with detailed description of the job
- Resident permit
- A Valid passport
- Two passport sized photos
Two sets of the above mentioned documents has to be submitted.
Work permit for Skilled Professionals
If you are highly skilled in your field then finding a job in Germany will be relatively easy for you, regardless of whether you are an EU citizen or not. Germany is very welcoming to highly skilled immigrants, especially those
- University Teacher with career experience
- Graduates with professional knowledge and experience
If you only speak English then, unfortunately, things become really limited for you.
The Basic required documents are
- Proof of the Professional qualification
- Sufficient Funds to pursue
- Letter of work contract with detailed description of the job
- Resident permit
- A Valid passport
- Two passport sized photos
Two sets of the above mentioned documents has to be submitted.
Work permit for Self Employed
Before planning to start a new business or beginning a new career as a self-employed person in Germany, you should check whether you need a German residence permit ( Aufenthaltserlaubnis ) for taking up self-employed work.
For non EU residents, a residence/work permit for self-employed foreign residents is needed. If you already live in Germany with a different kind of residence permit (e.g. for employed work or for expat spouses), the local immigration office ( Ausländerbehörde ) can advise you on changing your residence permit.
If you move to Germany from a non-EU country for self-employed work or to set up a business, you have to apply at the German Embassy for a residence permit. The permit will only be valid for a certain period of time, and the local immigration office is then responsible for renewing it.
Permit to work as self-employed depends on the following criteria :
- your business plan
- your qualifications and previous experience
- your financial investment
- your company’s impact on employment and vocational training
- your contribution to the national or regional economy, innovation, and research
- competition with established businesses
The resident permit for Self-employed immigrants in Germany obtain a residence permit for almost 3 years.If the business is successful then the resident permit can be extended indefinitely.
The Basic required documents are
- Proof of the Professional qualification
- Proof that you possess sufficient capital to start the business
- Detailed description of your business project
- Resident permit form completely filled
- A Valid passport
- Two passport sized photos
- If you are above 45 years of age, an evidence of pension means has to be given
Two sets of the above mentioned documents have to be submitted.