General work permit for non-EU professionals holding a recognised university degree and a concrete German job offer.
Estimated Cost
$350
Processing Time
~2 months
Validity
48 months
The Skilled Worker Visa under Section 18b of the Residence Act covers non-EU nationals with a recognised university degree who have a job offer in Germany. Unlike the EU Blue Card, there is no mandatory salary threshold, making it the standard route for degree-holding professionals whose salary falls below the Blue Card minimum or whose job does not match their degree. The permit is issued for up to 4 years (tied to the employment contract) and provides a path to permanent residency after 4 years.
Average: 2 months
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~5 years
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Total | $350 |