🇩🇪 Germany · Employer-sponsored work
Work Visa for Qualified Professionals (Section 18a/18b AufenthG) — requirements, costs & how to apply
Who is eligible
| Minimum monthly income | €3,803 |
| Minimum annual salary | €55,770 (≈ EUR 45,000 · FX 2026-06-22) |
| Proof of savings | €10,000 |
| Minimum investment | €5,000 |
| Job offer | Required |
| Employer sponsor | Required |
| Work experience | 3+ years |
| Language level | B1 |
| Age range | 18–50 |
Costs
| Application / consular fee | €75 |
Duration & renewal
Initial stay: 48 months.
Who can apply
Open to all nationalities.
How to apply
- Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
- Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/work-qualified-professionals.
- Typical processing: ~21 days.
Frequently asked
How much income do I need?
You must show €3,803.
Sources & verification
Every figure on this page is taken from an official government source and dated. Nothing is inferred.
“you must be able to prove that you have adequate pension provision”
“You have a specific job offer from an employer in Germany. It is important that the job you are offered is a qualified position. This means that you will usually need an academic qualification or qualified vocational training to do the job.”
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Informational only, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm on the official government source linked above before applying. Last verified 2026-06-24.