What Germany's §18 Fachkraft visa is and who it suits
The §18 Fachkraft visa is Germany’s main skilled worker pathway for those who already have a job offer. According to the German government’s Make it in Germany portal, §18a is for holders of a vocational training qualification (Berufsausbildung), while §18b is for holders of a university degree.
Unlike the Chancenkarte (for job-seeking only), §18 is a long-term work visa. The core requirements are a suitable employment contract and a qualification recognized by Germany (Anerkennung). This is the clearest pathway to skilled migration settlement in Germany.
Already have, or about to have, a job offer in Germany? Get a free profile assessment so M2W specialists can advise on the suitable pathway.
- Long-term work visa for those with an employment contract
- §18a for vocational qualifications · §18b for university degrees
- Settlement (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after 33 months (21 with B1)
How §18a and §18b differ
The two §18 branches are distinguished by the type of qualification you hold.
§18a
Vocational training (Berufsausbildung)
For those with a vocational training qualification recognized by Germany and an employment contract in the relevant field.
§18b
University degree (Akademiker)
For those with a recognized university or college degree and a suitable employment contract.
Anerkennung
Qualification recognition
Both branches require the qualification to be recognized as equivalent by a German authority before applying for the visa.
Anerkennung — qualification recognition
Anerkennung is the step of confirming that a foreign qualification is equivalent to German standards — a key requirement of §18. Depending on the field, the outcome may be full or partial recognition (requiring additional study or practical training).
- Submit the application to the recognition authority for the relevant field/state
- Certified translation of qualifications, transcripts, and course descriptions
- Additional courses or examinations may be required in certain fields (especially healthcare and engineering)
- The recognition outcome is the basis for applying for the §18a/§18b visa
The §18 visa application process
The §18 process is tied to qualification recognition and an employment contract.
Step 1 — Qualification recognition & job search
Complete Anerkennung for your qualification and secure a suitable employment contract or job offer in Germany.
Step 2 — Lodge the visa application
Lodge the §18a or §18b application together with the contract, recognition outcome, and personal documents.
Step 3 — Move to Germany to work
Receive the visa and move to Germany to work; you may sponsor family reunification for your spouse and children.
Step 4 — Settlement (Niederlassung)
After 33 months (or 21 months if German reaches B1), you become eligible to apply for permanent settlement.
Costs and timeline
§18 costs include: the qualification recognition fee, translation/notarization, the visa application fee, possible additional courses depending on the field, and service fees. The timeline depends on the speed of qualification recognition and visa processing. See the cost structure on the pricing page; M2W estimates a specific roadmap after reviewing your profile.
Comparing §18, Chancenkarte, and Blue Card
Three popular German skilled pathways. §18 is a long-term work visa for when you already have a contract.
| §18 FachkraftViewing | Chancenkarte | Blue Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Long-term employment | Job search (1 year) | High-paying employment |
| Employment contract required | Cần | Chưa cần | Cần |
| Qualification | Vocational (18a) or university degree (18b) | Trade/University + points | University |
| Own salary threshold | — Not required | — No | Có (€50.700/€45.934) |
| To settlement | 33 months (21 if B1) | Must switch categories | 21–33 months |
Frequently asked questions about the §18 visa
How does §18a differ from §18b?
§18a is for those with a vocational training qualification (Berufsausbildung), §18b for those with a university degree. Both require a recognized qualification and a suitable employment contract.
What is Anerkennung and is it mandatory?
Anerkennung is the recognition of foreign qualifications as equivalent to German standards. This is a mandatory requirement for §18; depending on the field, additional study or examinations may be needed.
How long until I get settlement?
After 33 months of legal employment on an §18 visa, or 21 months if you reach German at B1 level, you are eligible to apply for permanent settlement (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
Can your family come with you?
Yes. §18 visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children to Germany under family reunification.
What if I don't have a job yet?
If you don't yet have a contract, you can use the Chancenkarte to go to Germany to look for work first, then switch to §18 once you sign a contract.
Have a job offer in Germany? Take §18.
§18 is the clearest settlement pathway to Germany for those with an employment contract. M2W specialists advise on qualification recognition and prepare your visa application.
