Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b)
Qualified professionals with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer.
The Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) is a German work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa) and processing time (~1-3 months (faster via accelerated procedure)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) is for
Qualified professionals with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer.
Settlement permit after 3 years (or sooner with integration), leading to citizenship.
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) - eligibility criteria
- Recognised academic or vocational qualification
- Concrete job offer in a qualified occupation
- Qualification recognition (Anerkennung) where required
- Adequate German skills for the role (often)
- Health insurance and secure livelihood
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) (Germany) is ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months (faster via accelerated procedure). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Make it in Germany / BAMF.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside the country |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years (typically contract length) |
| Work rights | Full work rights for qualified employment |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months (faster via accelerated procedure) |
| Route to PR | Settlement permit after 3 years (or sooner with integration), leading to citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
Settlement permit after 3 years (or sooner with integration), leading to citizenship.
Many applicants also compare EU Blue Card · EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU), Chancenkarte · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), Recognition Partner · Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft). Run a free VisaChief check to see which German route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) pitfalls we fix
Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) cost?
The Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) government fee is ~€100 (residence permit); ~€75 entry visa. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Make it in Germany / BAMF before applying.
How long does the Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months (faster via accelerated procedure). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b) lead to permanent residence?
Settlement permit after 3 years (or sooner with integration), leading to citizenship.
Can I work on the Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b)?
Work rights: Full work rights for qualified employment.
Who can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b)?
Qualified professionals with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Germany government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Make it in Germany / BAMF - official Germany immigration authority