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Skilled Workers Permit in Germany: Employment-Based Residence (§ 18a / § 18b AufenthG)
German law issues skilled worker (Fachkraft) permits along two parallel paths: § 18a AufenthG for applicants with a recognized vocational qualification (Berufsausbildung), and § 18b AufenthG for those with a recognized academic degree.
What Is the Skilled Workers Permit?
A skilled worker permit allows a non-EU national with a recognized qualification — vocational under § 18a or academic under § 18b — to take up qualified employment in Germany. It is generally issued for up to four years and can be extended. It requires an employment contract or binding job offer from a German employer, but does not impose the Blue Card salary threshold, however the salary must be in line with the average salary for that occupation.
Skilled workers may apply for a permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) under § 18c (1) AufenthG after three years of qualifying residence — or after 24 months where the qualification was obtained in Germany — subject to B1 German and 36 months of pension contributions (24 on the two-year track).
Vocational Qualification Recognition
Your foreign vocational qualification must be officially recognized in Germany through the responsible chamber or authority in your field. The most common path is recognition through one of the industry chambers (Handwerkskammer for trades, Industrie- und Handelskammer for commerce and industry).
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Last reviewed: August 2026 — RAin Fiona Macdonald
This article reflects information available at the review date above and may not remain current as rules and practice change. It is general information only, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Liability for reliance on its contents is excluded to the extent permitted by law.