Starting work in Germany
In brief
For many third-country skilled workers, the entry visa must match the intended purpose of employment. A tourist Schengen visa does not generally authorise taking up employment.
Type of sources used
The page is based exclusively on the official sources listed below, reviewed on 19 August 2026.
Before entry
Many third-country nationals must obtain an employment visa from the competent German mission before entering Germany. Depending on the visa category, a concrete job offer or employment contract is a central document.
The correct purpose of stay
The entry visa is purpose-specific. Official guidance expressly states that entry on a tourist short-stay or Schengen visa does not generally authorise starting employment.
After entry
The required residence permit must be applied for in time at the competent foreigners authority. Health-insurance and employment-start questions depend on the specific title and competent bodies.
Questions about this page
- Can I start a job with a tourist visa?
- As a rule, no; the appropriate purpose of stay is required.
- Who decides whether I may work?
- The residence title and competent authorities are decisive.
Where to verify this authoritatively
Always confirm the individual case with the competent mission, authority or institution using the linked official source.
Sources
- Visa for taking up employment
- Publisher:
- German Federal Government – Make it in Germany
- Classification:
- Official source
- Scope:
- Official overview of entry, purpose of stay and start of employment
- Reviewed on:
- Applying for a visa
- Publisher:
- German Federal Government – Make it in Germany
- Classification:
- Official source
- Scope:
- Official overview of the application route and the bodies involved
- Reviewed on:
Note
General source-based information only. No legal, visa or insurance advice and no individual assessment.