Last updated 16 October 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Work visa D in Germany for Russians
General employment visa
Work visa — what you need to know
Geared towards individuals who intend to work regularly in Germany and obtain a residence permit. Applicants must secure a job offer that complies with all required permits and qualifications necessary for the position before applying for this national visa.
The applicant must have a concrete job offer from a German employer
The contract or written confirmation must correspond to the candidate's qualifications
This visa usually requires a recognized qualification: this may be a university degree or a vocational training diploma
Employment conditions are usually reviewed by the Federal Employment Agency: salary and other conditions must not be worse than those of comparable workers in Germany
Process: confirmation of qualifications and job offer → application for a national visa with the employer's documents → approval of working conditions, if required → D visa → entry → obtaining a work residence permit
It is possible to relocate with a spouse and minor children; the family residence permit grants the spouse the right to work
It is possible to apply for a permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after three years of qualifying employment status: this requires, in particular, 36 months of pension contributions or comparable provision, German at B1 level, and fulfilment of the remaining conditions
After obtaining the residence permit, the employee is generally not tied to a single employer (although changing jobs in the first year may require notification or approval)
Eligible individuals:
- Employee
- Worker
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed from 1 month to 3 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
Official visa information
English international
Category code
D
Type of visa
National visa
Category
Work visas