Travel to Germany for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the German embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Germany to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Germany is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The German authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Germany. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the German embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Germany, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the German authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Germany for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

• attending job interviews
• going to court as a witness
• attending trade fairs
• board meetings
• meeting clients or customers, including entertainment such as eating at a restaurant
• meeting colleagues, contractors, sellers, suppliers or other customers for business meetings
• fact-finding visits, as long as it’s not an essential part of the project or a day-to-day work activity
• negotiating deals or contracts
• attending, speaking or presenting at a conference
• studying
• team building activities
• leisure travel such as holidays or visiting friends or family

Or for the following types of training, so long as it’s for the same company or group and does not exceed 90 days in a 12 month period:

• classroom-based training
• on-the-job training
• shadowing someone’s job, as long as the focus is on training

These activities are covered by the Schengen waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter explaining your trip, or a plan for any training you’ll be doing

Check Germany’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

Exempt for 90 days in 12 months

The following do not require a visa or permit in Germany if they’re for less than 90 days in a 12-month period:

• academic staff, such as scientists, technicians, engineers or language teachers working at research or higher education institutions (doesn’t include researchers at accredited research institutions)
• teachers working at state or approved private schools
• internships, if you meet legal requirements – check these with the German authorities
• journalists employed in the UK and living outside Germany
• fashion models
• after sales service, such as installing software or machinery, or completing technical maintenance, repairs and training – your employer must submit a notification to the German Federal Employment Agency before you start working
• travel guides who accompany tourist groups to Germany – you must keep your regular place of residence in the UK
• translators who need to take part in meetings and discussions in Germany – you must keep your regular place of residence in the UK
• international (cross border) rail and road traffic industry workers – including drivers who collect and unload deliveries, bus or coach drivers, train operators, train service staff and attendants
• sea and air transportation workers, such as international ship crew, sea pilots, technical staff, passenger service staff and plane crew – aircraft pilots, engineers and navigators employed by German companies will need a work permit
• speaking, lecturing or performing in science, the arts, entertainment or sports of special interest (performers and their assistants) – you must keep your regular place of residence in the UK
• working in special cultural or musical events or festivals, or in the film and television industry
• working in a recognised voluntary position or carrying out charitable or religious work

Also, sport and e-sport professionals and trainers working for a German sports organisation or taking part in German competitions with these conditions:

• you must be over 16
• the sport organisation must pay at least 50% of the minimum contribution to the statutory insurance pension scheme
• the German national association for your sport must recognise you as a professional athlete or trainer (this is only possible for the top leagues in sport, except for football, where the second league is also acceptable)

Exempt for 90 days in 180 days

Directors, board members and business leaders are exempt for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. For more than 90 days you need a long-term work permit from the first day of work.

If you have an EU intra-company transfer permit (EU ICT) from another country you can work in Germany for 90 days in a 180-day period. Your employer has to notify the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

All the exemptions are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

• an assignment letter
• employment confirmation
• a contract
• proof of required qualifications

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the German embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit, but you must check the exact rules and processes with the German embassy or immigration authorities.

Usually, you should apply for a national D visa so you can start working. You then apply for a longer-term residence permit once in Germany.

Taking your family

You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you have a family and want them to join you. It depends on the type of work permit you have.

Find out about taking your family with you.

Short-term visa and work authorisation

If you’re going to Germany for less than 90 days, and the activities do not fall under the list of exemptions, then you can apply for a Schengen C visa with work authorisation.

Long-term visas and permits

Germany offers long-term visas and permits for work for stays of over 90 days. They are valid for up to 4 years depending on which one you need.

You must apply for one if your profession isn’t exempt or you’re in Germany because you’re:

Transferring to a German branch of a UK-based company

You need one of these permits if your UK-based company moves you to a German branch to work:

If you do not qualify for these permits, you may also be able to get a permit for privileged nations.

International staff exchange

If you need to work at a German branch temporarily, your employer can use the international staff exchange.

To qualify your employer must:

• be registered with the personnel exchange department of the German labour office
• have a branch in Germany and exchange staff with their offices in other countries

You must:

• have at least a bachelor’s level degree or equivalent professional experience
• keep your UK employment contract – this must be valid for the length of your stay
• be paid a salary that is equivalent to the standard German salary for somebody in a similar position and with a similar background

The international staff exchange permit takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years and can’t be extended. You can apply for the permit again after a 6-month cooling off period.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with the German authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a work permit application for pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency (FEA). This speeds up the process. You can also apply directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany.

2. You complete the online D-visa application, print the form and sign it. You submit the application form, with the necessary documents, directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany. You won’t be able to start working until you have your final residence permit.

   (Local immigration offices often have their own forms. If you’re applying while in Germany, always check with the office before submitting your application.)

3. You register your address at the local city hall within 14 days of arriving in Germany, if staying for more than 3 months.

4. You submit a residence permit application at your local immigration office – check with them which forms and documents you need. You only need to do this if you’re staying in Germany after your national D-visa expiry date. The residence permit application has to be submitted before the D-visa expires.

Application documents

German authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed D-visa application form or local equivalent
• declaration of employment form (‘Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis’), to be completed by your employer
• form B (‘Zusatzblatt B’), to be completed by your employer
• completed residence permit application form for post arrival procedure, if required
• 2 standard passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• passport for you and any accompanying dependants – valid for 6 months, less than 10 years old, and with at least 2 blank pages
• degree or qualification certificate relevant to the job
• CV
• job description
• signed assignment agreement with your employer
• organisation chart showing the relationship between the UK and German operations
• birth certificate, for any accompanying children (legalised with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if your spouse is accompanying you (legalised with an apostille)
• health insurance cover in Germany, for you and any accompanying dependants
• proof of residence in Germany, including signed confirmation from the landlord (required once you get to Germany)

EU intra-company transfer (ICT)

You need an EU intra-company transfer permit (EU ICT) permit) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Germany to work for:

• up to 3 years, if you’re a manager or specialist
• up to 1 year, if you’re a trainee

You must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• have specialist knowledge in the field
• have worked for the company abroad for at least 6 months
• be paid a salary that is equivalent to the standard German salary for somebody in a similar position and with a similar background
• keep your UK employment contract – this must be valid for the length of your stay

An ICT takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. You can’t extend it beyond the 3 years, or 1 year for trainees. You can apply for the permit again after a 6-month cooling off period.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with the German authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a work permit application for pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency (FEA). This speeds up the process. You can also apply directly at the embassy in the UK.

2. You complete the online D-visa application, print the form and sign it. You submit the application form, with the necessary documents, directly at the embassy in the UK. You won’t be able to start working until you have your final residence permit.

3. You register your address at the local city hall when you get to Germany, if staying for more than 3 months.

4. You submit a residence permit application at your local immigration office – check with them which forms and documents you need. You only need to do this if you’re staying in Germany after your national D-visa expiry date. The residence permit application has to be submitted before the D-visa expires.

Application documents

German authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed D-visa application form
• declaration of employment form (‘Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis’), to be completed by your employer
• form B (‘Zusatzblatt B’), to be completed by your employer
• completed residence permit application form for post arrival procedure, if required
• passport for you and any accompanying dependants – valid for 6 months, less than 10 years old, and with at least 2 blank pages
• 2 standard passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• degree or qualification certificate relevant to the job
• CV
• job description
• signed assignment agreement with your employer
• organisational chart showing the relationship between the UK and German operations
• birth certificate, for any accompanying children (legalised with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if your spouse is accompanying you (legalised with an apostille)
• health insurance cover in Germany, for you and any accompanying dependants
• proof of residence in Germany, including signed confirmation from the landlord (required once you get to Germany)

Working for a German company on a German employment contract

You need to apply for one of these permits if you have an offer of employment with a company in Germany:

EU Blue Card

You can apply for an EU Blue Card if you have a university degree relevant to the position.

You must have one of the following:

• a recognised degree from an accredited university outside Germany
• a degree from a German university

Check if your degree is recognised.

If your degree is not recognised you can apply to get it recognised. The authority aims to examine documents within 3 to 4 months but it can be quicker.

You must also:

The EU Blue Card takes 4 to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and can be extended.

This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with the German authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a work permit application for pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency (FEA), if your role is in a shortage occupation.

2. You complete the online D-visa application, print the form and sign it. You submit the application form, with the necessary documents, directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany. You won’t be able to start working until you have your final residence permit.

   (Local immigration offices often have their own forms. If you’re applying while in Germany, always check with the office before submitting your application.)

3. You register your address at the local city hall within 14 days of arriving in Germany, if you’re staying for more than 3 months.

4. You submit a residence permit application at your local immigration office – check with them which forms and documents you need. You only need to do this if you’re staying in Germany after your national D-visa expiry date. The residence permit application has to be submitted before the D-visa expires.

Application documents

German authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed D-visa application form or local equivalent
• declaration of employment form (‘Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis’), to be completed by your employer
• completed residence permit application form for post arrival procedure, if required
• passport for you and any accompanying dependants, issued within the last 10 years and valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
• 2 standard passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• work permit pre-approval, only for shortage occupations
• degree certificate from an accredited university not based in Germany
• proof that your degree and the university are recognised, only for universities outside Germany
• CV
• job description
• signed employment contract with a German company
• birth certificate, for any accompanying children (legalised with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if your spouse is accompanying you (legalised with an apostille)
• health insurance cover in Germany, for you and any accompanying dependants
• proof of residence in Germany, including signed confirmation from the landlord (required once you get to Germany)

Qualified specialists

If you’re a specialist you can apply for a visa for qualified specialists (work permit).

To qualify you must:

• have an offer of employment with a company in Germany
• pay social security contributions in Germany
• be paid a salary that is equivalent to the standard German salary for somebody in a similar position and with a similar background
• have specific knowledge, skills or experience in the field

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and can be extended.

This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with the German authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a work permit application for pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency (FEA). This speeds up the process. You can also apply directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany

2. You complete the online D-visa application, print the form and sign it. You submit the application form, with the necessary documents, directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany. You won’t be able to start working until you have your final residence permit.

   (Local immigration offices often have their own forms. If you’re applying while in Germany, always check with the office before submitting your application.)

3. You register your address at the local city hall within 14 days of arriving in Germany, if staying for more than 3 months.

4. You submit a residence permit application at your local immigration office – check with them which forms and documents you need. You only need to do this if you’re staying in Germany after your national D-visa expiry date. The residence permit application has to be submitted before the D-visa expires.

Application documents

German authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed D-visa application form or local equivalent
• declaration of employment form (‘Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis’), to be completed by your employer
• completed residence permit application form for post arrival procedure, if required
• passport for you and any accompanying dependants, issued within the last 10 years and valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
• 2 standard passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• degree certificate relevant to the job
• CV
• job description
• signed employment contract with a German company
• birth certificate, for any accompanying children (legalised with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if your spouse is accompanying you (legalised with an apostille)
• health insurance cover in Germany, for you and any accompanying dependants
• proof of residence in Germany, including signed confirmation from the landlord (required once you get to Germany)

Permit for privileged nations

You can apply for a privileged nations permit if you’re:

• transferring to a German branch of a UK company
• working for a German company based on a German employment contract
• providing services to a client when your company doesn’t have a branch in Germany (Direktentsendung)

If you’re providing services you need to make sure you could never be classed as temporarily employed by the client. You must:

• stay employed in the UK
• report to your UK employer and not directly to the client

You do not need to meet any educational or experience requirements for this permit.

You’ll be labour market tested so must be able to show that you have the necessary skills and experience for the job.

The privileged nations permit takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 years and can be extended.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with the German authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a work permit application for pre-approval from the Federal Employment Agency (FEA). This speeds up the process. You can also apply directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany

2. You complete the online D-visa application, print the form and sign it. You submit the application form, with the necessary documents, directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany. You won’t be able to start working until you have your final residence permit.

   (Local immigration offices often have their own forms. If you’re applying while in Germany, always check with the office before submitting your application.)

3. You register your address at the local city hall within 14 days of arriving in Germany, if staying for more than 3 months.

4. You submit a residence permit application at your local immigration office – check with them which forms and documents you need. You only need to do this if you’re staying in Germany after your national D-visa expiry date. The residence permit application has to be submitted before the D-visa expires.

Application documents

German authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed D-visa application form or local equivalent
• declaration of employment form (‘Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis’), to be completed by your employer
• completed residence permit application form for post arrival procedure, if required
• passport for you and any accompanying dependants, issued within the last 10 years and valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
• degree or qualification certificate relevant to the job
• work permit pre-approval, if available
• CV
• job description
• signed employment contract with your employer
• birth certificate, for any accompanying children (legalised with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if your spouse is accompanying you (legalised with an apostille)
• health insurance cover in Germany, for you and any accompanying dependants
• proof of residence in Germany, including signed confirmation from the landlord (required once you get to Germany)

Self-employed work

If you want to provide services as a self-employed worker or set up a business, you’ll need a visa for self-employment (work permit).
To qualify you must:

• show there’s economic interest or regional demand for your services
• prove that your activities have a positive effect on the German economy
• be able to support your activities either with your own money or with an approved loan
• support yourself without burdening the German social security system

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid up to 3 years and can be extended. This permit type can lead to permanent residence after 3 years if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with the German authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You complete the online D-visa application, print the form and sign it. You submit the application form, with the necessary documents, directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany. You won’t be able to start working until you have your final residence permit.

   (Local immigration offices often have their own forms. If you’re applying while in Germany, always check with the office before submitting your application.)

2. You register your address at the local city hall within 14 days of arriving in Germany, if staying for more than 3 months.

3. You submit a residence permit application at the local immigration office. You only need to do this if you’re staying in Germany after your national D-visa expiry date. The residence permit application has to be submitted before the D-visa expires.

Application documents

German authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed D-visa application form or local equivalent
• completed residence permit application form for post arrival procedure, if required
• passport for you and any accompanying dependants, issued within the last 10 years and valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
• 2 standard passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• proof you can support yourself financially with your chosen work
• proof your work fulfils an economic interest in Germany, such as a business plan or confirmation letter from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer)
• proof of enough personal money or a loan approval
• proof of trade such as a professional licence, if applicable
• proof of retirement provisions if you’re over 45
• birth certificate, for any accompanying children (legalised with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if your spouse is accompanying you (legalised with an apostille)
• health insurance cover in Germany, for you and any accompanying dependants
• proof of residence in Germany, including signed confirmation from the landlord (required once you get to Germany)

Research work

You can apply for a visa for research (work permit) if you have an offer of employment with a recognised research institution.

To qualify:

• the institution must sign a confirmation they will be covering your living expenses and pay your return travel costs to your home country within 6 months after your position ends
• you must have either a PhD or a qualification that will allow you to start a PhD programme

The visa for research takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for at least a year and can be extended.

This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants. Find out about taking your family with you.

How it works

You need to check with the German authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You complete the online D-visa application, print the form and sign it. You submit the application form, with the necessary documents, directly at the embassy in the UK or immigration office in Germany. You won’t be able to start working until you have your final residence permit.

   (Local immigration offices often have their own forms. If you’re applying while in Germany, always check with the office before submitting your application.)

2. You register your address at the local city hall within 14 days of arriving in Germany, if staying for more than 3 months.

3. You submit a residence permit application at your local immigration office – check with them which forms and documents you need. You only need to do this if you’re staying in Germany after your national D-visa expiry date. The residence permit application has to be submitted before the D-visa expires.

Application documents

German authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed D-visa application form or local equivalent
• declaration of employment form (‘Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis’), to be completed by your employer
• completed residence permit application form for post arrival procedure, if required
• passport for you and any accompanying dependants, issued within the last 10 years and valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages
• 2 standard passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
• hosting agreement between you and the German international research institution
• birth certificate, for any accompanying children (legalised with an apostille)
• marriage certificate, if your spouse is accompanying you (legalised with an apostille)
• health insurance cover in Germany, for you and any accompanying dependants
• proof of residence in Germany including signed confirmation from the landlord (required once you get to Germany)

German government guidance

Read official German government guidance on visas and permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Germany, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.