This page compares Australia’s Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) and Germany’s Work Visa for Qualified Professionals (Section 18a/18b AufenthG) — the work visa routes we track for each country — using figures compiled from official government sources. Where a figure is not published for one country, the cell is left blank rather than estimated.
At a Glance
Australia
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
- Minimum income: €3,899/mo
- Initial permit: 60 months
Germany
Work Visa for Qualified Professionals (Section 18a/18b AufenthG)
- Minimum income: €3,803/mo
- Minimum savings: €10,000
- Initial permit: 48 months
Requirements Side by Side
| Requirement | Australia | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income | €3,899/mo | €3,803/mo |
| Minimum savings | — | €10,000 |
| Initial permit length | 60 months | 48 months |
| Processing time | — | 21 days |
| Years to citizenship | 7 years | — |
| Family reunification | Yes | Yes |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Yes | — |
What the Data Shows
Each line reflects a single published figure — not an overall recommendation. The right choice depends on your profile.
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Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
What income do you need for the Australia vs the Germany work visa?
Australia's Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) lists a minimum of €3,899 per month; Germany's Work Visa for Qualified Professionals (Section 18a/18b AufenthG) lists €3,803 per month.
How long is the initial permit in Australia vs Germany?
Australia's Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) is initially issued for 60 months; Germany's Work Visa for Qualified Professionals (Section 18a/18b AufenthG) for 48 months.
Figures relate to the specific programmes named above and were last re-checked 2026-06-24. Always confirm on the official pages linked below before applying.