Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2))
Professionals with vocational/academic training and proven experience, without full recognition.
The Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) is a German work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€100 (residence permit)) and processing time (~1-3 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) is for
Professionals with vocational/academic training and proven experience, without full recognition.
Counts toward settlement permit on the skilled-worker timeline.
Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) - eligibility criteria
- At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
- A state-recognised qualification from the home country
- Job offer with a defined minimum salary
- Non-regulated profession (not medicine/law etc.)
- Health insurance and secure livelihood
Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) (Germany) is ~€100 (residence permit), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months. 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 3 years |
| Work rights | Full work rights for qualifying non-regulated jobs |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€100 (residence permit) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months |
| Route to PR | Counts toward settlement permit on the skilled-worker timeline. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward settlement permit on the skilled-worker timeline.
Many applicants also compare Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker Visa (Fachkräfte, §18a/§18b), Recognition Partner · Recognition Partnership Visa (Anerkennungspartnerschaft), Chancenkarte · Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). 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 with Work Experience (§19c(2)) pitfalls we fix
Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) cost?
The Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) government fee is ~€100 (residence permit). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Make it in Germany / BAMF before applying.
How long does the Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2)) lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward settlement permit on the skilled-worker timeline.
Can I work on the Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2))?
Work rights: Full work rights for qualifying non-regulated jobs.
Who can apply for the Skilled Worker with Work Experience (§19c(2))?
Professionals with vocational/academic training and proven experience, without full recognition.
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