Skilled Worker vs Experience Route: which German visa is right for you?
Two skilled-work routes: the standard Skilled Worker visa needing a recognised qualification, and the Experience Route (§19c(2)) based on work experience plus a qualification.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) (Skilled Worker) | Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) (Experience Route) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Qualified professionals with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer. | Professionals with vocational/academic training and proven experience, without full recognition. |
| Government cost | ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa | ~€100 (residence permit) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months (faster via accelerated procedure) | ~1-3 months |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years (typically contract length) | Up to 3 years |
| Where to apply | Outside or inside the country | Outside or inside the country |
| Work rights | Full work rights for qualified employment | Full work rights for qualifying non-regulated jobs |
| Pathway to PR | Settlement permit after 3 years (or sooner with integration), leading to citizenship. | Counts toward settlement permit on the skilled-worker timeline. |
Which is right for you?
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) (Skilled Worker)
Qualified professionals with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer.
Full Skilled Worker guide →Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) (Experience Route)
Professionals with vocational/academic training and proven experience, without full recognition.
Full Experience Route guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Skilled Worker or Experience Route?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) (Skilled Worker) is the lowest at ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Skilled Worker or Experience Route?
Indicatively Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) (Skilled Worker) is the quickest at ~1-3 months (faster via accelerated procedure). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Skilled Worker and Experience Route?
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) (Skilled Worker) is for qualified professionals with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer. Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) (Experience Route) is for professionals with vocational/academic training and proven experience, without full recognition.