Work visa to Germany for Russians

2019-11-10

Like many brave people before you, you decided to turn a new leaf in your life and try something brave, something challenging and something worthwhile; obtaining a work visa in Germany. Whatever your reasons, it is a difficult undertaking and can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. I mean, it's already hard enough to find a job, but to get a work permit, it's almost twice the effort.

This blog has already helped understand many complex topics, and this one will be no exception.

This blog has already helped clear up many complex topics, and applying for a work visa to Germany will be no exception. So get yourself a coffee and get ready to dive in as we go step by step.

What is a German work visa and do I need one?

The German work visa is based on a residence permit system with different conditions depending on the specific application and situation. If you are a non-EU citizen (or from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), you will need permission to live and work in Germany in the form of a work visa. This does not automatically allow you to travel and work in the rest of the EU.

Typically you need to apply before coming to Germany and wait a few months until everything is processed. You can read the general summary here.

The German Office for Foreigners, called Ausländerbehörde, distinguishes between general and specialized employment, as well as temporary employment (visiting scientist, au pair, internship), job search, freelance work and self-employment. Let's look at the first two categories in this post.

COVID-19

1) Will my visa remain valid on other dates?

The validity of a visa is limited to the period for which it was issued.

2) I do not belong to the categories of persons for whom there are currently exceptions, but I would like to travel again in the future after the lifting of entry restrictions. Can I apply for a new visa now?

Starting from 06/01/21, German foreign missions in Russia offer applicants who do not currently fall into the categories of persons subject to exceptions the opportunity to apply for Schengen visas. The issuance of these visas does not imply immediate entry into Germany, subject to entry restrictions still in force. As before, entry is permitted only to those persons who belong to one of the categories for which exceptions apply and can document this.

It is assumed that this opportunity will allow you to have a valid visa in your hands at the time of the lifting of a number of restrictions or their complete abolition, with which you can then travel. Please note that submitting an application is only possible under certain conditions. To do this you need the following:

• that you previously had a visa valid for at least 2 years, • that this previous visa was issued by one of the German foreign missions, • that the validity of this visa expires no earlier than 04/01/20 (so that during a pandemic you were unable to apply for a new visa), • that the purpose of the trip is not tourism, • present a medical insurance policy for those traveling abroad, covering at least the duration of the first planned trip, • sign an additional Confirmation of Acquaintance (see here and on the company’s website VisaMetric). • as well as submit all other documents usually required for obtaining a visa (see section “ List of required documents ”).

Please understand that this is an additional service and that only a limited number of applications can be processed. Applications are submitted through VisaMetric.

3) I had to cancel my trip; I will not use the visa I received. Will my visa fee be refunded?

No, unfortunately, there is no refund of the consular fee for an unused visa.

4) I received a visa to attend a conference that was subsequently cancelled. Can I use a visa to travel for another purpose (for example, tourism)?

All visas can be used exclusively for the purpose of travel that was specified during registration. Control and assessment of the legality of entry is carried out by the relevant border authorities. In this case, it may be necessary to provide information about the purpose of the trip, as well as to carry relevant documentary evidence with you - especially in cases where the purpose of the stay has been changed.

If the original purpose of travel cannot be confirmed or has changed, entry may be denied.

5) I have a Schengen visa, which I received from one of the German foreign missions. However, at the moment I would like to travel to another Schengen state.

Entry into and stay in another Schengen state is possible if the use of a visa is legal. According to current regulations, Germany must be the country in which you plan to spend the majority of your time, or through which you will enter the Schengen area. Control and assessment of the legality of entry is carried out by the relevant border authorities upon entry. Border authorities are aware of the current situation regarding restrictions on freedom of movement in the Schengen area, as well as possible changes in individual routes and travel schedules in this regard.

6) I'm going to visit Germany. What should I consider when moving in? What rules apply to me upon entry?

Obtain the relevant information from the representative office of your country at your place of stay in the Federal Republic of Germany (at the Embassy/Consulate General of the Russian Federation) or, for example, on the websites of the Institute. Robert Koch ( www.rki.de ), the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Integrated Development ( www.bmi.bund.de ) and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( www.auswaertiges-amt.de ). Follow the instructions and recommendations in force in arrivals areas at airports, train stations and other border control points.

Please note the information from the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Construction and Integrated Development about restrictions on entry into the Schengen area. Please also take into account the leaflet from the German Federal Ministry of Health with additional important rules for travelers entering Germany.

7) My visa was issued by another Schengen state. I have questions about its use. Who can advise me on them?

See answers to questions No. 1 – 6. The use of a Schengen visa is possible in all Schengen states if the rules for proper use are followed. For specific questions regarding issued visas, please contact the consulate that issued your visa.

I am unable to use my visa due to travel restrictions currently in place. Do I need to inform the Visa Department about this?

No, you do not need to provide this information to the Visa Department. See also questions 1, 2 and 3.

9) Will I have any difficulties in obtaining a visa in the future if I am unable to use the visa issued to me?

No, information about the current situation regarding restrictions on freedom of movement in the Schengen area, as well as possible changes in this regard to individual routes and travel schedules, is known and will be taken into account accordingly in the future when considering visa applications.

10) In my country of permanent residence, restrictions are planned or have already been introduced for persons returning from the Schengen countries/Germany. Is it advisable to apply for a visa now despite this?

The decision rests solely with you, the applicant. You should note that as long as the duration, scope or specific implementation of the restrictions remains variable and unpredictable, there may be no point in filing an application. It must be borne in mind that in some cases the issuance of a visa may be refused (and the fee paid is not refundable), since when making a decision it is necessary to take into account the possibility of returning to the state of permanent residence.

11) I already have a Schengen visa. What should I do if, during my stay in the Schengen countries, the state of my permanent residence introduced restrictions for persons returning from the Schengen countries/Germany, and the validity of the visa expires?

You need to leave the territory of the Schengen area no later than the last day of validity of the visa, and when planning your trip you should take care of this in advance, monitoring the development of the situation in the state of your permanent residence, or return earlier than planned. If in a particular case it is not possible to leave the Schengen area on time, then you should promptly contact the authorities responsible for your stay in the territory of the relevant state. In Germany, this is handled by the relevant Office for Foreigners at the place of residence. This department, among other things, determines whether the necessary conditions for extending the visa are met (for example, having a sufficient validity of the passport, sufficient financial resources, medical insurance abroad, etc.), and makes an appropriate decision.

12) How can I currently apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Moscow?

The Visa Office maintains records for applications for national visas. Recording can be done exclusively through the RK-Termin . Will definitely pay

Am I eligible for a general work visa?

This is for those who want to live and work in Germany and need a residence permit for the purpose of employment. To obtain a work visa in Germany, you generally need approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Office) in addition to the Ausländerbehörde.

To increase your chances of getting approved, you will first need to find a job in Germany. Ideally, this position is whitelisted; There is a shortage of qualified people for this profession in Germany.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa to Germany

Despite the fact that Germany is a modern first world country, the cities are populated by unemployed citizens.
For this reason, not everyone can come to Germany to work. The country is abundantly saturated with unqualified specialists from EU countries, so a work permit will not be issued to a Russian citizen without unique and useful skills.

Fulfilling 2 conditions will make it easy to get a work visa if:

1. There are no applicants for the vacancy among Germans and EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
2. Working conditions and wages meet (or exceed) German standards.

What happens next?

Once you receive initial approval for your application, you will receive an entry visa. Time to pack your bags and find a home in Berlin!

Be sure to register your address and make an appointment at the Ausländerbehörde offices in Moabit or Charlottenburg now! Here you will apply for a residence permit, which will allow you to stay in Germany after the first 3 months of your entry visa.

You will receive more detailed information before the meeting, but have these documents ready in advance:

• general job application
• application for a residence permit
• valid passport
• biometric photo
• employment contract
• detailed job description (from your employer)
• confirmation of professional qualifications, any permits for professional activities
• rental agreement/confirmation of homeownership
• rental expenses or property expenses
• proof of main address in Berlin
• proof of health insurance (not enough for a traveler)
• confirmation of secured finances (EU Blue Card application only)
• fee up to 100 euros for most applications

Sources vary on how long this part of the German work visa process takes. Expect at least a few weeks and remember - you cannot work during this time!

Am I nervous, what should I watch out for?

Here are some tips to keep your composure

1. Visas are only valid for a limited time and are often linked to your employment contract. If you leave this job, you will need to reapply for a visa to remain in Germany.
2. Not sure whether to bring a specific document to a meeting? Bring everything, just in case. This will make you feel more confident and may even earn you a rare compliment for being well organized!
3. If you don't speak German well, bring an interpreter or a German-speaking friend with you to the meeting.
4. Be prepared to have your most important documents translated by a certified translator, even if they are all in English.
5. Schedule meetings in advance. Immigration and registration offices in Berlin are often booked for weeks.
6. Be on time! The Germans are big on deadlines and expect everyone to follow official procedures. They don't appreciate late arrivals or requests for emergency exceptions.

Remember that the people processing your application are people (probably). They want to do a good job, follow the rules, and go home on the weekends. You can make everyone's life a lot easier by being well prepared for meetings and staying organized.