German Working Visa For Australian Citizens
Welcome to my Blog. If you’re reading this article it means that you have an interest in a German Working Visa for Australian Citizens; don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. My name is David and I’ve been living in Germany since 1999 and I’m currently running my own business here in Germany.The Germany Working Visa is a document that allows Australian citizens to work in Germany; it gives them the right of temporary residence. One of the conditions to get this visa is to show proof that the applicant can financially support their stay in Germany.
There are numerous opportunities for Australians to get the German working Visa. In order to get this Visa, you will be required to follow certain steps which aims at helping you acquire all of the required documents and information that you need in order to apply for the said visa.The German employment law recognizes the right to work for every EU citizen. In order to get a working visa, one must not only show legal grounds to live and work but also sufficient financial resources for living expenses. The appropriate permit should be applied for after obtaining a work or residency permit. Applying for an EU Blue Card can be the best option in this regard. It is issued by the Federal Employment Agency after verification of all documents submitted.
German Working Visa For Australian Citizens
General information
There are two categories for work permits: General employment and self-employed.
Australian citizen should generally apply for a residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority, without applying for a visa beforehand. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and the United States of America. Please note that until the work permit has been issued you will not be able to work yet. If you want to start working immediately after your arrival in Germany, you should apply for a visa about 8-10 weeks prior to the intended departure.
General employment
Acceptance of foreign nationals in the general employment category is based on the economic needs of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The two basic conditions are:
- Vocational qualification
- A concrete offer of a contract of employment
Which documents do I have to submit with my application?
(Please provide 2 copies per document)
- 2 completed and signed application forms
Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand. - 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
- your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) – original plus 2 copies
- letter of intent or contract offered to you by a company in Germany with detailed description of the employment – original plus 2 copies
- “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” (declaration on contract of employment) completed and signed by the employer – 2 copies
- proof of your professional qualification (for example: university diploma) – original plus 2 copies
- proof of employment in Australia – original plus 2 copies
- evidence of health/ travel insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) – including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19) – 2 copies
- prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.
Please note that we can process only complete applications; if you hand in your application with one or several documents listed above missing, you will have to come again for a new appointment.
What else should I know?
- If your spouse and/or children are going to accompany you, you must submit 2 complete sets of applications for each family member. Please provide the original and two copies of the marriage certificate and the children’s birth certificate.
- Upon your arrival the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay.
- Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
Self-employment
To work on a self-employed basis, your proposed business must:
- Have a beneficial economic impact
- Fulfill the needs of the Federal Republic of Germany or specific regional or local needs
- Be fully covered by your own financial means or a bank loan. Proof of financial mean/ bank loan required.
To ensure the sustainability of your business project, the following criteria will also be taken into consideration:
- Viability of your business plan
- Your relevant business experience
- Amount to be invested in Germany
- Impact of your business project on employment and skills
- Contribution of your project to innovation and research
You will need the following documentation:
- 2 completed application forms
Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand. - 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
- Original of your Passport plus 2 copies
- Detailed description of your business project, including an expectation of how your project meets the above criteria (2 copies)
- Proof that you possess the necessary financial means for the business – original plus 2 copies
- If you are over 45 years of age, you must also provide evidence of adequate pension provision – original plus 2 copies
- prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.
As the necessary documentation may regionally differ, you are advised to contact the Aliens authority at the place where you intend to take up residence prior to your visa application.
A residence permit for self-employed business purposes is valid for a maximum of three years. It can be indefinitely extended if your project is successful.
Artists
Artists who want to go to Germany with the intention to stay longer than 90 days and do more than 15 single performances within a period of 12 months need a visa for doing so.
Where can I apply?
- All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
- Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney.
Which documents do I have to submit with my application?
(Please provide 2 copies per document)
- 2 completed and signed application forms
Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents.
Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand. - 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
- your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months) – original plus 2 copies
- documents regarding your artistic activity (e.g. tour plan, contract with company/agent etc)
- proof of financial means/ financing of stay
- evidence of health/ travel insurance valid in Germany with validity until a German health insurance covers you (if applicable) – including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19) – 2 copies
- prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.
- current CV
- revenue forecast
- financing plan
- bank statements of the last 3 months
- letter of future clients, contracts etc., if applicable
Au-Pair visa
If you intend to work as an au-pair in Germany, you should apply for a au pair visa / residence permit. In order to qualify for this visa category, you must be between 18 and 27 years old and prove that you have a basic knowledge of the German language. The duration of your stay in Germany must be a minimum of 6 months and not exceed 12 months.
Australian citizens should apply for an au pair visa/ residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and the United States of America. Only in exceptional circumstances should citizens of these countries apply at the German Consulate General in Sydney (see below) before entering Germany.
If you apply for your residence permit in Germany, please note that you are not allowed to work until your residence permit has been issued.
Citizens of other countries are required to apply and obtain the visa prior to entry.
Processing of the visa application in Australia can take several months, depending on approval from German authorities.
Where can I apply?
- All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
- Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney
Which documents are required?
(Please provide 2 copies per document)
- 2 completed and signed application forms
Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand. - 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm, front facial view)
- your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months): original plus 2 copies
- valid re-entry permit to Australia (for non-Australian citizens only) – 2 copies
- if applicable – written proof of your German language skills (for example letter from your school/language school): original plus 2 copies
- written confirmation from your placement agency or contract with your host family; the contract must include details about salary, working hours, accommodation and health insurance: original plus 2 copies
- health insurance valid in Germany to remain in force through your stay: 2 copies of the relevant part of the insurance policy (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19)
- prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.
Please note that we can only process complete applications; if you hand in your application with one or several documents listed above missing, you will have to come again for a new appointment.
What else should I know?
- Once approved, the visa will usually be issued for an initial period of up to three months. After your arrival in Germany you must contact your local authority for foreigners where your visa will be converted to a residence permit covering the entire duration of your stay.
- Upon your arrival in Germany, the border authorities may examine whether the requirements for your entry continue to be valid. Entry may be refused by the border authorities although you are in possession of a valid visa. We advise you to carry with you documents giving evidence to the purpose of your stay (e.g. copy of your au pair employment contract).
- Once you have obtained your visa please check carefully that all entries are correct and in accordance with your application. Please inform the visa section immediately if there are any mistakes.
Visa for an internship in Germany
Australian citizens should apply for an internship visa/ residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and the United States of America. Only in exceptional circumstances should citizens of these countries apply at the German Consulate General in Sydney (see below) before entering Germany.
If you apply for your residence permit in Germany, please note that you are not allowed to work until your residence permit has been issued.
Citizens of other countries are required to apply and obtain the visa prior to entry.
Processing of the visa application in Australia can take several months, depending on approval from German authorities.
Where can I apply?
- All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
- Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney
Which documents are needed?
(Please provide 2 copies per document)
- 2 fully completed and signed application forms
Please fill out the online application form, print it out, sign it and submit it along with the other documents. Please ensure that the barcode is printed in high quality.
Alternatively, you can print out the application form below and fill it out by hand. - 2 recent passport photographs (35 x 45 mm, front facial view, white background)
- your national passport (validity of which has to exceed your stay by at least three months)
- proof of visa status in Australia (if you are not an Australian citizen)
- internship contract from German company (including full address of the company) where you intend to have your internship, also indicating the salary
- Letter from your Australian university confirming that internship is part of the course (if applicable)
- evidence of health/ travel insurance valid in Germany covering the first 3 months – including details about coverage (at least € 30,000 and including repatriation costs; coverage for pandemics like e.g. Covid19)
- proof of accommodation in Germany ( e.g. renting contract, hostel reservation, invitation letter in case of private accommodation
- prepaid registered mail envelope with your address (if you request return by mail). Please note that the German Missions will not be held responsible for any loss or damage of passports due to postal or courier service delivery.
- visa fee: € 75 by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or equivalent in cash (AU$). Other payment methods (e.g. with smart watch, mobile phone) not accepted.
Please ensure that your application documents are complete! Incomplete applications may result in rejection of the visa application.
Job Seeker’s visa
As of 1 August 2012, graduates with a German or other recognized university degree or a foreign degree comparable to a German degree will be eligible to enter Germany to seek employment. Holders of a jobseeker’s visa may stay in Germany for up to six months to seek employment.
To obtain a jobseeker’s visa applicants must provide proof of their university degree and proof of financial means for the intended duration of stay (at the moment 853 EUR per month). While seeking employment jobseekers are not permitted to work, neither employed nor self-employed.
Australian citizens can apply for a work visa / residence permit after entering Germany at the local immigration authority. This also applies to citizens of Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and the United States of America.
Citizens of other countries have to apply and obtain the visa prior to entry.
This visa is aimed at highly qualified candidates, i.e. Non-EU nationals holding a German or otherwise recognized equivalent university degree. The visa enable the holder to remain in Germany for a period of six months in order to find appropriate employment.
General information on graduate immigration is available via the portal for qualified professionals www.make-it-in-germany.com
Where can I apply?
- All visa applications in Australia must be lodged in person. Your fingerprints will be electronically scanned as part of the application process.
- Applicants who are residents of any states and territories of Australia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu or Nauru need to make an appointment and submit their application at the Consulate General in Sydney