Work permit

Employing foreign workers

When employing foreigners, an employer must check to see whether the employee needs a residency permit and a work permit.
Citizens of EU member countries, EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland do not need a residency permit or work permit.
Citizens from other countries will generally need residence permit before starting work. Potential employees must apply to the German mission abroad in their country of origin for residence status before leaving their home country. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, United Kingdom, New Zealand and the USA may enter Germany without a visa and then apply for a residence permit at the immigration department of the relevant local authorities before commencing work. Where necessary, approval from the Federal Employment Agency for employment will be sought in an internal process.
Ammendments of the Residence Act and new labour market regulations have made it easier for persons from third countries to work in Germany. The Federal Employment Office provides information on the admissions procedure.
For foreign applicants, the “Make it in Germany” portal by the Qualified Professionals Initiative, set up by the federal government, provides a quick overview of career opportunities in Germany.
Updated: 5th December 2023