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What are my work visa options?
Corporate Immigration related options: EU Blue Card, Employment Card, EU ICT, Opportunity Card (March 2024).
What are the most common visa types?
Type C (business, tourism), Type D (Work, study, family reunification).
What is the typical timeline for the immigration process?
4-8 weeks for the approval of visa Type D and then 2-4 weeks for the in-country steps. End to End lead time: 3-6 months depending on consular delays and, if applicable, document legalizations.
How long does it take to collect information and submit the application?
4-8 weeks with doc legalization, depending on the country of origin.
What is the application processing time?
1-2 months.
What is my duration of stay?
Validity depends on the length of the intended assignment and may be granted to a maximum of three years. EU Blue Card validity is up to four years.
How soon can employees start working?
As soon as they enter Germany with their visa Type D.
Is there a quota for the number of transferees that can apply?
Yes. The quotas are set by the Federal Employment Agency (BA). They are based on the number of skilled workers needed in each region. In practice, these quotas do not affect corporate immigration, as the need for skilled workers in Germany is usually very high.
Is there expedited processing available for applications?
Yes. Expedited processing is reserved for highly skilled employees in shortage occupations and for family members of employees already in Germany. It is based on eligibility only.
What are the requirements for permanent residency?
Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Germany, after five years of living in the country, allows you to stay in Germany indefinitely and gives you unlimited access to the German labor market. There are specific variables and steps to follow.

To find out more, click here.
What documents are required from the employee?
  • Passport
  • CV
  • Degree
  • Photographs
  • Proof of German residence
  • Proof of health insurance
What is the requirement for the location of application?
Out of country applications are only Consular applications for visas type D or C.

In country applications take place at the local immigration department or municipality and are reserved for bio-metric cards, residential registrations, and, of course, permit renewals.
Is set-up/sponsorship registration needed for transferees by their employers?
There is no visa sponsorship in Germany.
What documents are required from employers?
  • Standard company number
  • Power of attorney
  • Official format job description
  • Support letter
  • Assignment letter or contract
When do I renew my work visa?
We must aim to submit renewal applications as soon as we are allowed to because processing times can be long and renewal submission appointments are scarce, especially in Berlin and Frankfurt.

Ideally, the renewal process for all permit categories must be initiated at least 5 months prior to expiry.
Can dependents work under the registration process? If so, do they have limitations and requirements to do so?
Spouses and partners have direct employment access. Family members other than the partner or spouse have access to employment via their dependent pass.
Are same-sex spouses considered dependents?
Yes. Same-sex spouses and partners are recognized as dependents.
What, if any, deregistration requirements are required?
The employee’s residential address must be formally deregistered prior to their final departure or after departure via post.
What are the red flags and/or special criteria?
  • Salary thresholds enforced.
  • Degree or 5+ years of experience is required. May be waived for senior executives or specialists. 
  • Labor Market Search may be needed. May be waived for senior executives or specialists. Skilled workers do not require pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency due to Germany’s very high need in skilled workers.
  • A minimum of 6 months’ experience with the sending entity is required.
  • Must have evidence of common ownership between home and host entities. 
  • Legalized documents may be needed. 
  • Company registration at corporate level is required.