How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Germany (2025)

Expanding into Germany unlocks access to one of Europe’s most skilled and innovative talent pools. With a robust economy and a strategic central location, Germany is an attractive destination for companies seeking sustainable growth and a competitive edge. Tapping into this market can supercharge your team’s capabilities and future-proof your organization in the heart of the EU.

Yet, obtaining a work visa in Germany or sponsoring international talent isn’t simple. Between strict eligibility checks, salary thresholds, and complex sponsorship rules, the process can feel overwhelming. One small mistake—missed paperwork, timing slip-ups, or non-compliance with Germany’s work permit minimum salary requirements—can cause costly delays, rejected applications, or even legal risk.

These roadblocks can slow your business expansion, making German hiring seem out of reach. That’s where Deel Immigration comes in. By handling sponsorship, filing, and compliance for you, Deel clears the path—no German entity required. The result? You onboard international talent quickly, stay compliant, and scale into Germany with complete peace of mind.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Germany?

Obtaining a work permit in Germany is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as the applicant’s skills and education level, and whether there is high local demand for the applicant’s potential job title and scope.

See also: Moving to Germany: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Germany?

Yes. Below are two of the most commonly used visa types for skilled professionals and their families in Germany:

• EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card suits highly skilled professionals holding a recognized university degree and a binding job offer with a minimum salary of €56,400/year (or €43,992/year in shortage occupations). Applicants must secure employment in an EU member state and demonstrate health insurance coverage. The permit is initially valid for up to four years or for the duration of the employment contract plus three months. Blue Card holders can apply for permanent residency after 33 months, or after 21 months if they prove sufficient German language skills

• Dependent Visa: The Dependent Visa caters to spouses and minor children of EU Blue Card holders or other qualifying work-permit holders. Eligible dependents must submit proof of relationship, health insurance, and adequate living space. This visa’s duration mirrors the principal permit holder’s status and can be extended in line with the main work permit’s renewal. Family members on this visa can generally access the German labor market without additional permits

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Germany visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Below is a comparison of the EU Blue Card and Dependent Visa in Germany, outlining their key requirements, validity, processing times, and work eligibility.

For a fast, expert eligibility assessment—including a detailed cost breakdown—Deel Immigration can review your or your candidate’s profile within 48 hours, helping streamline the first step in your UK hiring journey.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Germany visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must provide a formal job offer and register as a local entity to sponsor work permits. German authorities require that the sponsoring company be a legally recognized entity in Germany, possess a valid trade license where applicable, and submit a formal employment contract meeting minimum salary thresholds. The employer also handles coordination with the Federal Employment Agency for any required labor-market tests.

Leveraging an Employer of Record (EOR) lets companies outsource sponsorship duties to experts. The EOR becomes the official sponsor, managing local registrations, contracts, payroll, and compliance checks on your behalf. This approach removes the need to set up a German entity while ensuring all legal requirements are met seamlessly.

Deel Immigration is a G2-leading Employer of Record in 150+ countries. We sponsor employees under 200+ permit categories across 40 countries at scale and speed. Our platform automates local entity management, labor-market test submissions, and document collection so your team can focus on growth, not paperwork.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Germany’s work permit application process

Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your German work permit with ease.

Step one: Prepare all required documents

Prepare all required documents, including a valid passport, recognized qualifications, health-insurance proof, and a formal job offer.

Tip: Applicants can use Deel’s checklist to gather and upload required documents to the platform, while employers confirm contract details and complete necessary signings.

Step two: Submit application

Submit the application to the appropriate German embassy or local immigration office.

Tip: Deel’s immigration experts guide you through application forms, and the platform reminds you of crucial deadlines.

Step three: Await decision

Wait for processing, which typically takes between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the visa category and the applicant’s origin.

Tip: Deel provides real-time visa-tracker alerts so you never miss an update.

Step five: The applicant starts work

Upon arrival in Germany, the applicant receives their EU Blue Card or Dependent Visa and must register their address with local authorities within 2 weeks to avoid fines. During this process, they will also receive a tax ID (Steuer-ID). The residence permit is included with the EU Blue Card or Dependent Visa, but local registration and obtaining a tax ID are essential next steps.

Tip: Leverage Deel’s relocation partners and exclusive discounts for assistance with travel logistics.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Germany?

Below is a summary of government visa fees for Germany’s EU Blue Card and Dependent Visa, including standard rates, reduced fees for minors, and common fee waivers.

Deel offers transparent, flat service fees with no hidden charges. Our platform itemizes government fees, service fees, and expedited-processing costs upfront so you always know what to expect.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Germany?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration offers a seamless, compliant, and efficient solution tailored for navigating Germany’s complex work visa landscape. With our platform, employers and candidates experience streamlined processes backed by expert support and cutting-edge technology.

• End-to-end immigration management, including local registrations and labor-market test coordination
• Fast free visa assessments to quickly determine candidate eligibility
• Personalized expert support guiding you through Germany’s specific visa categories
• Real-time application tracking with automated renewal reminders
• Support for dependent visas and relocation discounts to ease employee transitions

With Deel Immigration, hiring skilled talent in Germany becomes faster, simpler, and fully compliant—read on to learn how.

Hire employees in Germany faster with Deel Immigration

Deel Immigration accelerates your hiring timeline with end-to-end immigration management that handles everything from document collection to visa renewals. Our platform automates embassy appointment scheduling and pre-fills visa applications to minimize errors and delays, ensuring your candidates move through the process swiftly.

Benefit from personalized expert support every step of the way, with dedicated specialists familiar with Germany’s work permit processing time and visa rules ready to answer questions and troubleshoot issues. Book a free consultation today to discover how Deel can help you onboard top talent in Germany with confidence and speed.