How to Get a Work Permit in Germany for Americans

An American can work in Germany with a residence permit.

United States citizens do not need a visa in order to travel to Germany. U.S. citizens may remain in Germany for up to 90 days without a visa or permit. Once you decide to remain in Germany and get a job, you must obtain a permit that authorizes you to work in Germany. To work in Germany, you must have a residence permit that includes a work authorization. You must apply in person at the German Embassy or consulate in order to receive a residence permit.

Things You'll Need

• 2 copies of the Visa application
• 2 Visa Declaration forms
• 2 passport photos
• Passport
• 2 copies of an employment contract from German employer
• 2 copies of police record check
• Visa application fee of $92 cash or money order

Instructions

1. Contact your local police department to receive a police clearance certificate. You will need two copies of this certificate.

2. Ask your future employer in Germany for a letter or contract that details the terms of your employment. You will need two copies of this letter.

3. Make two copies of the data page in your passport. Your passport must contain at least two blank pages and be issued within the past 10 years. In addition, your passport must continue to be valid for at least three months after the expiration date on your residence permit.

4. Get two high-quality, passport-size photos of yourself.

5. Complete the visa application form and the visa declaration form. Make two copies of each form. The forms are located on the website for the German Embassy. Go to www.germany.info and click "Visa, Passport, Legal" on the left side of the page. Click "Visa for Germany" on the right side of the next page. On the next screen, click "Employment Visa." Scroll to the bottom of the page to locate the applicable forms.

6. Take your visa application, visa declaration form, passport, photos, employment letter, police clearance certificate and all copies to the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., to apply for your work permit. You can also apply in person at one of eight German consulates in the United States: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York or San Francisco. Some consulates require you to make an appointment. Contact information for all of the Consulates is available on the website for the German Embassy at germany.info.

Tips & Warnings

• You should receive your German work permit in one to three months. Your application and documents are submitted to the Aliens' Office in Germany. Once approved, the German Embassy will issue you a residence permit with an authorization to work in Germany.

References

• German Embassy: Employment in Germany

Resources

• Visa Application Form
• Visa Declaration Form
• Visa Photo Specifications
• Consulate Finder