If you have completed qualified vocational training outside Germany, you can obtain a residence permit under Section 18a of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in order to take up qualified employment in Germany as a skilled worker.

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

- Your qualification must be recognized in Germany. If you want to work in a regulated profession, such as a healthcare profession, you will need a license to practise.

- A specific job offer from an employer in Germany. It is important that the job you are offered is a qualified position. This means that you will usually need a degree or qualified vocational training to do the job. Auxiliary tasks will not be sufficient for this purpose.

- Your job does not have to be related to your professional qualifications.

Please note that there are academic degrees in Germany that are considered as vocational training. Further information is available on the website on the portal for qualified professionals: www.make-it-in-germany.com.

Online Application via the Consular Services Portal

You can easily apply for your visa online through the Foreign Office's Foreign Portal. We assist you in preparing the documents through pre-examination. You can check your application status online at any time.

Here is how the online application process works:

Step 1: Fill out your online application form and upload your documents.

Step 2: Submit your application. Your information and documents will be checked for completeness. You will receive feedback online. If your application is complete, you will receive a link to book an appointment.

Step 3: Attend your on-site appointment. During this appointment, your identity will be verified, and your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be captured. You can then pay the fee.

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On-Site Application at the Embassy

You can also apply for the visa on-site at the Embassy. To do this, prepare the necessary documents and then schedule an appointment. The documents will be checked for completeness only during the appointment. If there are missing documents, an additional appointment at the embassy may be necessary.

Application Essentials

Prepare in advance by understanding the administrative requirements and key details for your visa application.

• Visa Fee: Please refer to the Embassy website for the current fee.
• Processing Time: Applications require a minimum of 4 weeks. Note that visas will not be issued earlier than three months before your planned travel date.
• Booking an Appointment: Appointments can be made via our online portal or via the Embassy website
• Identity Verification: Applicants are required to appear in person for identity verification and fingerprint collection.
• Additional Documents: The list of required documents may change and is not exhaustive. Incomplete applications may require a new appointment, and applicants may be called for an interview.
• Disclaimer: Information provided is based on current knowledge and practice. The Embassy cannot assume liability for completeness or accuracy. Visa status can be checked via email only 12 weeks after submission; earlier requests will not be entertained.
• The application can be submitted without prior approval from the German authorities. The approval will be sought during the visa process. To speed up processing, it is recommended that your employer in Germany obtain preliminary approval from the Federal Employment Agency and provide a printout of this confirmation when submitting the visa application

How to Prepare Your Papers

Ensure your documents meet the required standards before your appointment to avoid delays.

• Certified Translations: All foreign-language documents must be translated into German by a certified translator. Documents in English are also accepted and do not require translation.
• Document Copies: Bring one set of copies of all documents along with the originals. All papers should be A4 size, neatly organized, and not stapled (applicable for on-site application only)

• Biometric Photo Requirements: 1 recent passport photo (not older than 6 months) white or grey background. Teeth must not be visible

• Mandatory Document Checklist
  

Bring all items listed below to your appointment to ensure smooth processing.

• 1 duly completed and signed national visa application form VIDEX
• 1 biometric passport picture meeting the specifications above
• Valid passport (data and signature pages only)
• Valid Malaysian permit (for non-Malaysians only)

• Contract/ binding job offer

  with details of gross annual salary, signed by both parties or a written binding invitation letter from your employer

• Preliminary approval from the Federal Employment Agency (if available)
• The “Declaration of Employment” and “Additional Form B” completed and signed by the employer
• Vocational qualification

• Recognition of vocational qualification

  Please note that your vocational qualification has to be formally recognized. For further information please visit the “Recognition in Germany” information portal.

• Proof of German language proficiency

  Proof of German language proficiency corresponding to your intended employment (A2-B1) or a letter from your employer stating that your existing language skills are sufficient.

• Curriculum vitae

• Proof of pension provision

  If you are 45 years or above and do not have an annual minimum gross salary of 49,830 euros (2024), you must provide evidence of adequate pension provision).

• Travel, Health and Accident Insurance with a validity of 6 months starting from your intended travel date