How Ghanaians with two years' experience can apply for a German work visa online

Ghanaians with two years of vocational experience can now apply for a German work visa online through the Consular Services Portal. This route, known as the visa for professionally experienced workers, applies to qualified jobs in non-regulated professions. The Make it in Germany portal, managed by the German government, outlines all requirements and steps.

Unlike the standard skilled-worker visa, this one doesn't require full German recognition of the applicant's certificate, only that it's recognized by the state where it was obtained. To begin the process, applicants need a state-recognized academic or vocational qualification from their home country, with at least two years of training.

A vocational certificate from a German Chamber of Commerce Abroad can serve as an alternative, confirmed by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training. Workers in IT jobs are exempt from this qualification condition. The applicant must also have at least two years of qualified work experience within the past five years, directly qualifying them for the job they wish to perform in Germany.

They must secure a job offer in a non-regulated, qualified profession, with a gross annual salary of at least €45,630 in 2026, or less if under a collective wage agreement. Approval from the Federal Employment Agency is typically obtained during the visa application process. Applicants should create a user account on the Consular Services Portal and submit their visa application there.

They should gather necessary documents such as employment contracts, passports, proof of work experience, and qualification proof. Their employer must complete a Declaration of Employment form. The employer should inquire about the fast-track procedure for skilled workers to expedite the entry process. The passport must remain valid throughout the process and be renewed in advance if nearing expiration.

The next step involves an appointment at the German mission, where applicants bring all original documents and pay a €75 visa fee in local currency. In Ghana, this appointment is conducted at the German Embassy in Accra, with potentially lengthy waiting times. Valid health insurance must be presented before the entry visa issuance, and German health insurance should be obtained upon arrival.

Post-arrival, applicants must register their address, visit the foreigners authority, and apply for a residence permit before their visa expires, incurring a possible fee of up to €100. All mentioned figures are as of January 2026, but thresholds may change annually. Applicants should verify the latest information on the Make it in Germany portal and the embassy's respective pages before applying.