How to Immigrate to Germany as a Skilled Worker
Who is an Eligible Skilled Worker? Skilled workers come in two categories: people with professional training and people with academic training. Whatever your degree is, it must be recognized and accepted by German authorities. Skilled workers can take a job position in Germany if they can prove to be qualified and able to perform the work well. According to new changes in German law, IT specialists with “highly-developed practical professional knowledge” do not need recognition. They can come to Germany without recognition and practice their occupation. Requirements to Become a Qualified Skilled Worker in Germany 1. A Recognized Degree Your education must be recognized in Germany, whether professional or academic training. In some majors like dentistry and medicine, you must receive a degree from the government and pass a test. If you completed your education in Germany, you don’t need recognition. According to new rules, you can also submit your application before recognition is complete. In some cases, you can move to Germany and start working before recognition is finalized. 2. Job Offer A job offer is mandatory. It must lead to a written contract with details about the employment with a German employer. Don’t pay money in exchange for a job, as it may be a scam. You can also apply for a tourist visa or job seeker visa to enter Germany and look for work. 3. Work Permit Once officials approve your job offer, they issue a work permit. This is required before applying for a work visa. A work permit allows you to work and stay longer than 90 days. 4. Leaving Your Country You must have a valid passport or travel documents to leave your country. Most of the time, a clean record certificate is also required. 5. Supporting Documents You need supporting documents for both the work permit and work visa. The employer submits work permit requirements to German authorities, while you must submit visa documents to the German embassy in your country. Not all non-EU nationals need a visa to enter Germany. Nationals of the US, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but need a residence or work permit for longer stays. 6. Financial Independence You must prove financial independence, either through your job income or savings. If you plan to bring your family, you must show you can support them as well. Steps to Move to Germany as a Skilled Worker Step 1: Get Your Degree RecognizedIf your degree isn’t recognized, you cannot work. For some professions, you may need additional training. You can also apply for a German internship visa to complete training in Germany for 12–18 months, during which you can work under limited conditions. Step 2: Find a Job Offer with a German EmployerThe employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. Step 3: Apply for a Work PermitSend your documents to your employer, who submits them to German authorities. You may be asked to provide additional documents. Step 4: Get a Work VisaAfter receiving a work permit, apply for a work visa at the German embassy or consulate in your country. How Long Can Skilled Workers Stay in Germany? The validity of a work permit depends on your employment contract, the type of permit, and German authorities’ decision. You can stay and work as long as your contract and permit remain valid, provided you obey national laws. Bringing Family to Germany Yes, you can bring your spouse and single children if your income covers the entire family’s expenses. Your spouse must often prove A1-level German language proficiency. You must also have suitable accommodation for your family. What if You Lose Your Job in Germany? If your employer doesn’t extend your contract, you must find a new job offer. The new employer applies for a new work permit, and you must do this while your residence permit is valid. Typically, you have up to three months to secure a new residence permit. Most In-Demand Jobs in Germany Skilled Worker Salary in Germany Salaries vary depending on the occupation: On average, skilled workers earn around €3,810 per month.
8 Must-Have Travel Apps for International Trips in 2025
I just spent six months traveling through foreign countries and could not have done it without these key travel apps. Here’s my list of eight must-have travel apps for you to download for your next international trip. 1. Google Maps – Essential for Navigation Google Maps is probably the most essential app for any traveler. Not only can it help you navigate a new city but—and this is key—you can download entire map areas to access them offline. So even if you don’t have the internet, you can find your way around a foreign country with ease. Additionally, you can use Google Maps to find places to eat, drink, and shop in a new location with access to user reviews and ratings. One feature that I love is that you can go into Google Maps and take the location of your hotel, any experiences you’re going to do, and those restaurants you want to go eat at and save them into lists that you can access later. A pro tip is to do this before your trip. I typically do it on the desktop, but you can do it on your phone as well and build those lists ahead of time. That way, when you go to download your map, you’ve already got access to your hotel and any of those other places that you’re trying to get to—even if you don’t have internet. 2. Google Translate – Break the Language Barrier Another hugely important travel app is Google Translate. One of the great joys of international travel is being able to interact with locals in their language. Google Translate is an indispensable tool for international travelers because it provides translation for over a hundred languages. It’s really great for looking up simple survival phrases like hello, goodbye, please, toilet, beer. But it’s packed with some amazing and useful technology that goes way beyond just looking up a list of phrases. You can: Just like Google Maps, you can download entire languages offline before you leave. 3. WhatsApp & Messenger – Stay Connected Anywhere The number three must-have travel app is actually two universal messaging apps: WhatsApp and Messenger. Having one or both means you can stay connected with people back home but also communicate with locals. These apps are free, don’t require a cell phone plan, and are often the preferred way to communicate abroad. WhatsApp alone has over 2 billion users worldwide, but in some regions Messenger is more common. Just make sure they’re downloaded before you go. 4. Currency Converter Calculator – Handle Foreign Money Easily I used to do conversions in my head when I traveled. That works fine in countries with simple conversions (like euros), but if you’re hopping between places like Cambodia, it gets messy. The app I use is literally called Currency Converter Calculator (Apple App Store). Similar options exist for Android. It’s super simple: choose your home currency, choose the currency you want to convert to, and start typing. There’s a free version with ads, and a paid version (around $3) if you want ad-free. I stick with the free one since it works fine. 5. Surfshark – Protect Yourself With a VPN The next thing all international travelers need is a good VPN (Virtual Private Network). When you travel, most Wi-Fi connections you’ll use are in cafés, hotels, or airports. Public Wi-Fi is not secure, and it can leave your data vulnerable. A VPN creates a secure connection. Other perks of Surfshark: We’ve used Surfshark for over a year now, and it’s worth keeping year-round. 6. Airline Apps – Skip Lines and Save Time Download the app of whatever airline you’re flying. It has huge benefits: Just make sure you download your airline’s app before your flight. 7. LoungeBuddy – Find the Best Airport Lounges LoungeBuddy helps you search for airport lounges, compare them with photos and reviews, and see which ones you can access. If you have a travel rewards card or Priority Pass membership, LoungeBuddy shows you which lounges are available. You can even pay a small fee for access if you don’t already have membership benefits. I mostly use it to research lounges I’ve never been to—it’s handy when you have long layovers. 8. Ride-Sharing Apps – Uber, Lyft, Grab, Bolt Finally, don’t forget to download the local version of ride-sharing apps. Taxis and public transport are great, but apps like Uber, Lyft, Grab, or Bolt make rides easy, safe, and transparent. Benefits: Availability varies by country: Final Thoughts That was my list of eight must-have travel apps. Whether you’re looking for navigation, translation, money conversion, or just a safer way to get around, these tools will make international travel much easier.
Canada Opportunity: Graphic Designer – Calgary, AB (Posted on September 13, 2025)
Ingraph Limited is currently seeking a Graphic Designer to join their team in Calgary, Alberta. This is a full-time, on-site role offering between $18.00 to $20.00 per hour. The company is looking for a creative professional who can contribute to design projects and bring innovative visual solutions to support business goals. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong passion for graphic design, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a collaborative environment. With competitive hourly pay and the chance to grow with a reputable company, this is a great opportunity for designers in Calgary. Company: Ingraph Limited Location: Calgary, AB (On-site) Salary: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour Employment Type: Full-time Start Date: As soon as possible Vacancies: 1 Benefits Requirements How to Apply 👉 Apply via Indeed here: Graphic Designer – Job #9875579594