German 18B Visa

Who can apply for the Germany 18B visa?

Requirements for the Germany 18B visa in 2025

To obtain a Germany 18B visa in 2025, applicants must fully meet the requirements related to education, work experience, language ability, and employment contracts. Below are the specific criteria:
Education and qualification recognition

• Applicants must hold a university degree (or equivalent) that has been recognized in Germany.
• The degree must be listed in the ANABIN database or officially recognized through ZAB (German authority for qualification recognition).
• If the degree is not clearly listed in ANABIN, a formal certificate of recognition (Zeugnisbewertung) must be obtained.

Work experience and accepted professions

Priority is given to occupations currently in shortage in Germany, such as:

• Information Technology
• Engineering (mechanical, electrical, construction, etc.)
• Healthcare – nursing
• Hospitality (restaurant – hotel)
• Having at least 2 years of relevant work experience in your field of study is considered an advantage when applying for the Germany 18B visa.

German language requirements

• For many professions, German is not mandatory if the hiring company operates in English.
• However, certain professions such as healthcare, education, and law require German proficiency at levels B1 to B2.
• Having a valid German language certificate (telc, Goethe, ÖSD, etc.) increases the chances of visa approval.

Employment contract or job offer from Germany

• A formal employment contract or job offer from a German company is required.
• The job position must be relevant to the applicant’s qualifications and professional background.
• Minimum salary requirements for 2025:
• General: 48,300 EUR/year
• Shortage occupations: from 43,759.80 EUR/year

Detailed step-by-step process to apply for the Germany 18B visa

Prepare all required documents
Before booking an appointment, you should prepare a complete Germany 18B visa application file with the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least 12 months
• Passport photo with white background (3.5×4.5 cm, international standard)
• Employment contract or job offer in Germany
• CV and motivation letter (Motivationsschreiben)
• Degree and proof of recognition (ANABIN or ZAB)
• German language certificate (if available)
• Proof of accommodation in Germany (if available)
• Valid health insurance in Germany (mandatory)
• Visa application form according to the German Embassy template
• Visa fee: approximately 75 EUR (paid upon submission)

Book an appointment and submit your application at the Embassy

• Visit the official website of the German Embassy in Vietnam to book an appointment online.
• Print the appointment confirmation email and bring it when submitting your documents.
• Submit your application on time at the German Embassy in Hanoi or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Carefully check all documents before submission to avoid mistakes that may lead to visa rejection.

Processing time for the Germany 18B visa

• The average processing time for a Germany 18B visa is between 4 to 8 weeks.
• It may take longer if additional verification or documents are required.
• You will be notified via email or phone once the result is available.

Interview and visa result

• Some applicants may be required to attend an interview at the Embassy.
• The interview usually focuses on your education, work experience, and plans in Germany.
• If approved, your passport with the Germany 18B visa will be returned via delivery service or collected directly as instructed.

List of priority occupations under the Germany 18B visa

In 2025, Germany continues to expand its policy of recruiting non-EU workers to address the serious shortage of labor. For Vietnamese applicants, the Germany 18B visa provides opportunities to work in high-demand industries with attractive salaries and benefits.

Shortage occupations in Germany in 2025
According to updates from the Federal Employment Agency (BA), the following sectors are currently considered priority occupations under the Germany 18B visa program:

• Healthcare – Nursing – Caregiving
• Information Technology – Software Development – Data Analysis
• Mechanical Engineering – Automation – Mechatronics
• Construction – Architecture – Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering – Renewable Energy – Infrastructure
• Logistics – Warehouse Management – Supply Chain
• Accounting – Finance – Professional Auditing
• Early childhood education – vocational teachers (with specific requirements)

Common professions suitable for Vietnamese applicants

• Some fields where Vietnamese workers often have relevant experience and meet the requirements for the Germany 18B visa include:
• Nursing: supported by training cooperation between Vietnam and Germany, easier to prove qualifications
• Information Technology: suitable for software engineers, often requires less German proficiency
• Hospitality (kitchen – restaurant – hotel): suitable for candidates with degrees in tourism or hospitality management combined with practical experience
• Technicians – mechanical – electrical: many Vietnamese workers already have experience in industrial zones or previous overseas employment
• Software developers and digital professionals: high demand and relatively lower language requirements

Opportunities to change careers while residing in Germany

• With the Germany 18B visa, if you work stably and gain sufficient experience, you may apply to change to other related professions, especially within the same company or industry.
• Many people also choose to pursue additional training or certifications in Germany to switch careers that better suit their health or personal circumstances.
• After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or switch to the EU Blue Card if your salary and position meet the criteria.

Benefits of the Germany 18B visa for foreign workers
The Germany 18B visa is not only a legal work permit but also opens up long-term opportunities for international workers, especially Vietnamese individuals seeking a stable and sustainable career in Europe.

Legal employment with full salary and benefits

• Holders of the Germany 18B visa are allowed to work in positions that match their qualifications under a formal employment contract with a German employer.
• Salaries are paid in accordance with German labor laws, including social insurance, health insurance, and pension contributions.
• Workers are fully protected under German labor regulations, minimizing the risk of exploitation or illegal employment.

Opportunity for long-term residency in Germany

• After 33 months of continuous employment (or only 21 months with German language proficiency at B1 level or higher), workers can apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis).
• This residence permit allows you to stay in Germany permanently without the need for visa renewal and provides full rights to work and study.
• The Germany 18B visa also serves as an important pathway toward German citizenship if residency requirements are met.

Family reunification opportunities

• Holders of the Germany 18B visa can sponsor their spouse and children to join them in Germany once they have stable employment and income.
• Spouses are allowed to work legally without restrictions on occupation.
• Children can access free education in Germany from kindergarten to university level, with various support programs available.

Pathway to the EU Blue Card

• If the salary meets the required threshold (approximately 45,300 EUR – 49,830 EUR depending on the sector in 2025), workers can transition to the EU Blue Card.
• The EU Blue Card offers longer validity, greater job flexibility, easier mobility within the EU, and priority for permanent residency applications.
• This is an optimal option for highly qualified professionals who aim to build a stable career in Europe.

Development trends of the Germany 18B visa in 2025

In 2025, Germany continues to strengthen its policies to attract non-EU workers, particularly through the Germany 18B visa program, in order to address labor shortages in key industries.

New policies from the German government for non-EU workers

• Shortened naturalization timeline: Since 2024, foreign workers can apply for German citizenship after 5 years of legal residence instead of 8 years as before.
• Dual citizenship allowed: Applicants are no longer required to renounce their original nationality, making it more favorable for international workers, including Vietnamese citizens.
• Expansion of eligible professions: Germany is broadening the list of shortage occupations, creating more opportunities for non-EU workers.

German states expanding international workforce intake

• Qualification recognition programs: Many German states have introduced programs to support foreign workers in recognizing their qualifications, helping them integrate more easily into the labor market.
• Training and vocational support: Local governments provide training programs and vocational courses, especially in sectors facing labor shortages.

Positive impact on Vietnamese workers

• Increased job opportunities: With more open policies and government support, Vietnamese workers have greater access to employment and long-term settlement opportunities in Germany through the 18B visa.
• Support for qualification recognition: Organizations in Germany assist Vietnamese applicants in recognizing their qualifications and finding suitable jobs.
• Long-term settlement opportunities: With shorter citizenship timelines and dual nationality policies, Vietnamese workers can more easily settle in Germany long-term.
• Conclusion: The Germany 18B visa – a golden opportunity for Vietnamese professionals in 2025
• The year 2025 marks a significant step forward in Germany’s labor policies for non-EU citizens, and the Germany 18B visa stands out as one of the “golden gateways” for skilled Vietnamese workers aiming to develop their careers and settle long-term in Europe.

Summary of key benefits and requirements of the Germany 18B visa

• Legal employment in Germany in positions that match your qualifications with competitive salaries.
• Full labor protection and access to insurance and welfare benefits under German law.
• Opportunities for family reunification, long-term residency, and citizenship.
• Reasonable requirements: recognized degree, relevant job contract, and minimum salary threshold.
• Advice for those planning to work in Germany
• Check your degree recognition via ANABIN or apply through ZAB.
• Prepare your application thoroughly, including CV, job contract, insurance, and German language (if required).
• Research high-demand industries that match your qualifications, especially engineering, IT, healthcare, and hospitality.
• If you do not yet have a job offer, consider working with reputable consulting agencies to follow the correct process.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Germany 18B visa (FAQ)

How long is the Germany 18B visa valid?

The Germany 18B visa is typically valid for up to 4 years, depending on the duration of the employment contract. If the contract is shorter, the visa will be issued accordingly and can be extended later.

Is financial proof required for the Germany 18B visa?

Unlike student visas, financial proof is not strictly required. However, applicants must have a valid employment contract that meets the minimum salary threshold (approximately 48,300 EUR/year in 2025, or lower for shortage occupations).

Can the Germany 18B visa be converted into permanent residency?

Yes. After 33 months of employment (or 21 months with German language proficiency at B1 level), you may apply for permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis), provided you meet the requirements regarding social contributions and stable employment.

Can family members join under the Germany 18B visa?

Yes. You can sponsor your spouse and children under family reunification. Your spouse is allowed to work legally without restrictions on occupation.