In general: employment visa. A more detailed answer is depended from the kind of employment offer you receive.

You can use the visa navigator to find our more.

In addition to that the website https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/ provides more information as well.

Your staff members should apply for an ICT Card. This stands for intra-corporate-transferee.

The conditions for this visa are the following:

• The transferring company is situated outside from the EU.
• The staff members are either in leading positions, specialists or trainees -> Please submit “Erklärung über das Beschäftigungsverhältnis” as a proof (you can find this on our website under employment visa)
• The staff members work for your company at least 6 months (proof employment contract)
• The transfer takes up more than 90 days.

Please keep in mind that the Federal employment agency has to approve this visa. This could take up some time.

You can ask for an appointment via mail. Because this category is not available in our new online system.

The minimum language competency by law is A2. Vocational training positions in the health care sector are an exemption. For those at least a B1 level is required.

If the enterprise where you want to start your vocational training requires a higher level than A2 you will have to prove the required level from your enterprise.

Yes, in case you want to go to Germany for self-employment you will have to contact us. Please note that for intended family reunion your family members have to inscribe themselves in the waiting list.

Please be aware that you will need to provide the following documents before we can offer you an appointment:

• Businessplan (You can find tips for creating your business plan, for example, on the start-up portal of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy - BMWi (see section “More information”),
• Financing plan
• Resume / Curriculum vitae
  • Including Details of professional career, qualification certificates, diploma, references/sponsors
• For university graduates: A statement by the university
  • A statement by the university regarding the knowledge acquired in higher education and the connection to the business idea
• For university graduates: Degree from a state-recognised university or comparable training institution in Germany
• For researchers and scientists: A statement of the previous employer
  • A statement of the previous employer (e.g. research institution) on the connection between the occupation as researcher/scientist and the business idea
• If applicable Excerpt from the Trade Register
• If applicable Trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung)
• Health insurance (can be provided during the visa procedure)
• Proof of a secure livelihood must also include sufficient health insurance.
• Proof for the availability of funds for Rental cost / expenses for property
• Adequate pension plan (only if you have already completed the 45th year of life)
  • You can provide evidence of adequate retirement benefits (see section “Prerequisites”) by:

an offer from a private pension or life insurer,

own assets,

acquired pension rights or

operating assets

Please note that the Foreigner authority who is locally competent will check all those things. Depending on the Foreigners Authority additional documents might be needed.

Please also keep in mind that a foreigner may be granted a residence permit for the pursuit of a self-employed occupation if

• an economic interest or a regional need exists,
• the occupation is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and
• the implementation is financed by equity or a loan commitment.