Hi there,

I've been looking at many sources but find it quite hard to compile information relevant to my situation. So here is my situation:
- wife is getting a job in Germany
- I will be going along but the problem is that I need to be able to work
- the company is sponsoring both of us but I will not have a work permit

SO questions:
- Assuming the salary is equal to 66000, how realistic is it to ask the company to get us a highly skilled visa instead of a residence visa so that I can get the work permit? Why would the company refuse to do so? is it more expensive, does it take more time...?
- If we get the residence visa from the company, how easy is it to apply for the highly skilled on our own? How long does it take?
- If we don't do the highly skilled visa but we only have the residence visa, how easy is it to get a job (don't speak German but I have a very CV with a masters degree and a few years of work experience). Are companies more likely to give a job offer if I have the residence (without work permit) compared to no residence?
- Is there any way to get the work permit without a job offer? Maybe if I have skills that are in shortage in Germany? How long does it take?

I know it's quite a lot of questions but I would really appreciate answers as we need to take some decisions soon.

Thanks and regards.

Hi Skiredj,

You have posted a lot of questions, I will try to answer your quetions according to my knowledge. I cannot say that my answers are absolute but will give you a way out.

-the company is sponsoring both of us but I will not have a work permit

If the company is sponsoring both of you which means that it has offered jobs to both of you. I guess the company is sponsoring your wife's visa and you are joining her on a depended visa. Is it true?

-Assuming the salary is equal to 66000, how realistic is it to ask the company to get us a highly skilled visa instead of a residence visa so that I can get the work permit? Why would the company refuse to do so? is it more expensive, does it take more time...?

I think if your wife salary is 66000 k approximately then she can apply for permanent residence. This will not change your visa status as still you are dependent on your wife. YOu still need to renew your visa every year or every other year.

- If we don't do the highly skilled visa but we only have the residence visa, how easy is it to get a job (don't speak German but I have a very CV with a masters degree and a few years of work experience). Are companies more likely to give a job offer if I have the residence (without work permit) compared to no residence?

Most likely yes as you are in Germany it is easy that you get interview calls but it all depends on your efforts and a bit o luck (German language is always a plus here in Germany)

- Is there any way to get the work permit without a job offer? Maybe if I have skills that are in shortage in Germany? How long does it take?

NO It is not possible to get a work permit with out a job in your case

Your wife will be issued with a three months visa which has to be converted into residence permit after registering in germany. You will normally be issued a dependent visa which does not allow you to work.

After arriving here, your wife can try to get PR based on her salary. If she is successfull, then you will be provided with a work permit automatically. If unsuccessful, you have to find a company to offer you a job and hope you get a workpermit. Otherwise after two years of living in germany, you are automatically entitled to work.

Getting a job without german knowledge is difficult but not impossible if your skill is highly specialised. Otherwise use the first few months in germany to attend german lessons.

Thank you for the responses! I appreciate it.
Yes your assumptions are right. My wife will get sponsored and I will get a dependent visa.

So to clarify, if my wife's salary is 66k or higher she can apply for permanent residence and that would give me the work permit? Does 'permanent resident' here mean highly skilled visa?

Is the salary the only consideration or is the number of years of experience another one?

Thanks!!

Hi raj and raghavarapun,

isn't it that if a person has a work permit which is not company specific then spouse gets a work permit automatically?? Only thing is that to get such a permit takes 3 years at least.