How much does a Germany work visa cost?

For a Germany work visa, the consular fee is €75. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National work visa (standard) — €75; Applicants under 18 — €37.5; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Accelerated skilled worker procedure — €411; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. The EU Blue Card carries the same €75 visa fee. After arrival, the residence permit issued locally costs approximately €100. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a Germany work visa take to process?

A decision on a Germany work visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Germany work visa?

The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies); 2 biometric photos; Signed employment contract or binding job offer with salary details; Declaration of employment (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) completed by the employer; Recognition of foreign qualifications (Anabin/ZAB statement) where required; CV and academic/professional certificates; Proof of health insurance from the start date; Proof of UK immigration status; Pension insurance proof for applicants over 45 or salary above the threshold. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Germany work visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Germany work visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Germany work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Germany consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€75

Typical decision

60 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Germany work visa

German Embassy London or Consulate General Edinburgh, or their outsourced partner. Many cases use the accelerated skilled-worker procedure started by the employer in Germany.

Required documents

Valid passport
Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies)
2 biometric photos
Signed employment contract or binding job offer with salary details
Declaration of employment (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) completed by the employer
Recognition of foreign qualifications (Anabin/ZAB statement) where required
CV and academic/professional certificates
Proof of health insurance from the start date
Proof of UK immigration status
Pension insurance proof for applicants over 45 or salary above the threshold

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

National work visa (standard)€75
Applicants under 18€37.5
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
Accelerated skilled worker procedure€411— Paid by the employer in Germany to speed up recognition and appointment.
VFS/TLS service fee€30

The EU Blue Card carries the same €75 visa fee. After arrival, the residence permit issued locally costs approximately €100.

Booking an appointment

National work visa appointments are booked through the mission's online system. Waiting times of 4–10 weeks for a slot are common in peak periods; the accelerated procedure gets a priority appointment.

Practical tips

Check your degree in the Anabin database before applying — if it is not listed as comparable you need a ZAB statement, which takes weeks. Ask your employer about the accelerated skilled worker procedure.

What is unusual about the Germany process

The local foreigners' authority (Ausländerbehörde) and the Federal Employment Agency both have to consent, which is why processing can reach 3 months.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Germany Visa Application Centre – London
Most Schengen visa categories are submitted at TLScontact rather than the Embassy. Your UK address decides whether London or Edinburgh handles the case.
Manchester — Germany Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of three TLScontact centres serving German missions in the UK.
Edinburgh — Germany Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Serves the consular district of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (Scotland/N. England — see the district map).

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Germany consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Germany work visa cost?: For a Germany work visa, the consular fee is €75. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National work visa (standard) — €75; Applicants under 18 — €37.5; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; Accelerated skilled worker procedure — €411; VFS/TLS service fee — €30. The EU Blue Card carries the same €75 visa fee. After arrival, the residence permit issued locally costs approximately €100. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Germany work visa take to process?: A decision on a Germany work visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Germany work visa?: German Embassy London or Consulate General Edinburgh, or their outsourced partner. Many cases use the accelerated skilled-worker procedure started by the employer in Germany. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Germany work visa?: The Germany consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed VIDEX national visa application (2 copies); 2 biometric photos; Signed employment contract or binding job offer with salary details; Declaration of employment (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis) completed by the employer; Recognition of foreign qualifications (Anabin/ZAB statement) where required; CV and academic/professional certificates; Proof of health insurance from the start date; Proof of UK immigration status; Pension insurance proof for applicants over 45 or salary above the threshold. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Germany work visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. National work visa appointments are booked through the mission's online system. Waiting times of 4–10 weeks for a slot are common in peak periods; the accelerated procedure gets a priority appointment.
Can I apply for a Germany work visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Germany, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇩🇪 Germany work visa: requirements, fee and processing time