What documents are needed to work in Germany?

For many Ukrainians, starting from 2022, the process of labor migration to one of the most developed countries of the European Union is very relevant. Employment in Germany attracts Ukrainians with the opportunity to find a well-paid job, expand professional skills, gain experience and generally improve their quality of life. After all, the German economy is the most powerful in Europe, which largely determines the level of well-being of the population and the desire of Ukrainians to come here to work.

But in order to realize your chance 100% and set off on this exciting journey, you must first correctly obtain a work visa. The process of submitting documents for work in Germany to Ukrainians has its own nuances that require special attention. Any incorrectly completed documents (or an incomplete list provided to the German Embassy) is an official refusal to issue a work permit. You will have to correct errors, prepare documents again, and resubmit your application.

Further in our article we will look at what documents a Ukrainian needs to work in Germany, their specifics and typical mistakes that should be avoided.

What documents are required to obtain a work visa to Germany?

A work visa or residence and work permit is required to legally work in Germany. Their receipt is regulated by the rules of German and EU immigration legislation. In this case, the package of documents depends on the type of work and category of permission:

1. A general work permit is required for everyone who does not have German, EU or other simplified employment procedure citizenship (Iceland, Switzerland, etc.).
2. Work search permit – allows foreign citizens, including Ukrainians, to stay in Germany for up to 6 months, provided that they have the necessary qualifications and financial security.
3. EU Blue Card is a permit issued to highly qualified specialists with higher education who have received a highly paid offer from a German employer. The Blue Card gives a number of additional privileges (for example, quick receipt of MMP).
4. A work permit in Germany for freelancers, that is, self-employed individuals or those who plan to work in Germany as an independent specialist (for example, designer, social media specialist, programmer).

In each case, you need to prepare and execute different documents. But there is a mandatory list that applies to most categories of workers (including those from Ukraine). Let’s talk about it further.

Basic documents to submit

First of all, you will need to collect and prepare the following documents to work in Germany:

1. A passport is the most important document you will need. Make sure that the document is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Germany and that there are free pages for marks.
2. Visa application form – filled out in German, which displays information about the applicant, purposes of the visit, length of stay in the country, etc.
3. A copy of the contract with the employer or an invitation to work in Germany, confirming the terms of employment. This should contain information on the specialty, duration of the contract, and working conditions.
4. Documents on education and qualifications confirming the specialist’s competence (diplomas, certificates).
5. Health insurance provides necessary medical care in the event of illness or injury.
6. Bank account statement or letter of guarantee from the employer confirming financial solvency.
7. Photos 35×45 mm on a light background without unnecessary decorations.

Additional documents for special categories of workers

What documents do Ukrainians need to work in Germany? It all depends on the employer’s requirements. For example, for specialists with higher education, they may request a diploma (with translation) or a certificate of recognition of qualifications. And construction and industrial workers will need training certificates or additional permits if the job requires the use of specialized equipment.

What you need to work in Germany so that your chances of getting a permit are high:

1. If there is a job offer from a German employer (except for permission to search for work in Germany);
2. If the employment of a foreign citizen, in particular a Ukrainian, does not negatively affect the German labor market;
3. If there are no applicants from citizens of Germany, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, EEA (European Economic Area) member countries.
4. If the working conditions of foreign specialists correspond to the level of wages, number of working hours, and rest for German workers.

Translation and legalization of documents

All documents submitted to the German Embassy must be translated into German and notarized. In some cases, an apostille may be required. Translations are performed by certified translators. Legalization or apostille is required for diplomas, certificates and other documents issued outside the European Union.

Typical mistakes when submitting documents

As practice shows, among the most common mistakes that job applicants make in Germany are:

1. Filling out the form incorrectly.
2. Lack of necessary documents.
3. Invalid photo format.
4. Insufficient level of insurance coverage.
5. No translations or apostille.
6. Inaccuracy in the contract or missing signatures.

Why is it so important to correctly prepare documents for working in Germany:

1. Any inaccuracies will delay the review process. Additional requests from German authorities take time, so you may not be able to complete them before work begins.
2. No one will return funds for the consular fee and expenses for preparing documentation.
3. Failure to meet the deadlines specified in the employment contract may result in termination of the agreement by the employer.
4. In case of serious mistakes or attempts to falsify documents, you will most likely be blacklisted by German visa authorities.

Remember, if you work in Germany without proper permission, you may be subject to deportation, a fine, or even a ban on entry into the European Union.

To avoid problems with documents, follow these tips:

• carefully check the requirements for each document on the website of the German Embassy;
• do not ignore the little things (requirements for photographs, translations, apostille);
• Check submission deadlines in advance to have time to correct errors.

Careful preparation of documents will help you avoid problems and obtain a work permit in Germany. Therefore, we recommend that you involve professional Group Working consultants for this to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Our company provides customized services:

• employment in Germany;
• collection and preparation of necessary documents;
• translations into German;
• housing assistance;
• legal support.

How we cooperate with you:

1. We receive an offer from a German employer.
2. We collect and submit the required package of documents.
3. Sign up for a visa interview.
4. We pay a fee for a work visa.
5. We prepare and attend the interview.
6. We are waiting for a response to the application.

Need help finding a job in Germany? Contact us for a free consultation. By choosing Group Working, you are guaranteed to receive professional service and increase your chances of successful employment in one of the best EU countries. We know well what Ukrainians need to work in Germany and are ready to help make your dream come true.