Last updated 16 October 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Skilled worker visa with professional training D in Germany for Russians
Skilled worker visa with professional training — what you need to know
It is an entry visa for foreign qualified workers. Skilled workers from third countries outside the EU have the possibility to obtain a residence permit to take up gainful employment in Germany, provided they have the necessary professional practice permit.
Completed vocational education is required: either German or foreign, recognized as equivalent to German
Recognition is carried out by the competent authority, for example, IHK FOSA (for non-academic professions)
For regulated professions, a professional license is required
A job offer from a German employer is required
In most cases, BA approval is required: the agency verifies that working conditions (salary, hours) are not worse than those of comparable German workers
For an initial permit on this basis from age 45, a salary of at least €55,770 gross per year in 2026 or pension provision is required
For other applicants, there is no separate single salary threshold for the category
With a permanent employment contract, the residence permit is issued for 4 years
Process: recognition of professional qualification → job offer → application for a national visa with the employer's documents → required approval → obtaining the D visa → entry → residence permit
It is possible to work not strictly in the specialty of the diploma if the offered position is qualified and the professional requirements are met
It is possible to relocate with a spouse and minor children; the spouse receives the right to work under the family residence permit
After 3 years of work under this visa (subject to 36 months of pension contributions, German at B1 level, and fulfilment of the remaining conditions), it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit
Eligible individuals:
- Skilled worker
- Professional
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed from 7 days to 20 days. 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