5.1 General Framework: Skilled Worker Immigration and the Employment Regulation
The Skilled Immigration Act has reorganized the rules for skilled immigration in the form of the Residence Act (AufenthG) and the Employment Regulation (BeschV). Third-country nationals (e.g., Ugandans) generally require a residence permit for gainful employment; for many categories, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) reviews, among other things, working conditions and priority checks.
Relevant Permits for Employment:
- Residence permit for skilled employment (Sections 18a, 18b of the Residence Act – skilled workers with vocational training or a university degree).
- EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act) for highly qualified academics with above-average salaries.
- Other categories for researchers (Section 18d), IT specialists, in-company training, short-term employment, etc.
5.2 Standard Work Visa (Skilled Worker with Vocational Training or a University Degree)
Ugandan citizens with a completed vocational or academic qualification may apply for a work visa if:
- There is a concrete job offer in Germany (employment contract or binding offer specifying the job description, salary, working hours, and place of work).
- The qualification is generally recognized or comparable to a German degree (e.g., via ANABIN/ZAB; verified by German authorities).
- The employment is permitted under the Foreign Nationals Employment Regulation (BeschV) and, if applicable, has been approved by the Federal Employment Agency (BA).
Documents (excerpt): - National visa application, declaration pursuant to § 54 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), resume.
- Employment contract/job offer (type of work, salary, working hours, duration; job description).
- Proof of professional and educational qualifications (diplomas, certificates, German/English translations if necessary).
- Form “Declaration regarding a contract of employment” and, if applicable, BA approval.
- Proof of health insurance, proof of adequate retirement provisions in certain cases (e.g., over 45 years of age with a low salary – subject to BA assessment).
Processing time: Typically 6–8 weeks, as the Foreigners’ Registration Office and the BA are involved; longer in cases of unclear qualifications.
5.3 EU Blue Card (highly qualified professionals)
The EU Blue Card is intended for academic professionals with a university degree and above-average salaries in qualified occupations (e.g., STEM professions, doctors, IT).
Core requirements:
- Recognized university degree (German or equivalent; proof via ANABIN or individual ZAB assessment).
- Concrete job offer in a qualified position in Germany, with a contract of at least 6 months.
- Meeting the current minimum salary thresholds (general and for shortage occupations); amounts are adjusted annually; details available on “Make it in Germany” and at the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
- If applicable, BA approval for reduced salary thresholds or specific occupational groups.
Documents: same as for the work visa, supplemented by proof of academic qualifications, salary details in the employment contract, and, if applicable, an ANABIN printout or ZAB assessment.
Advantages: faster pathways to a settlement permit (e.g., after 21–33 months of employment), simplified family reunification rules (A1 language certificate for spouses may be waived), and EU mobility.
5.4 Research & Science (Researchers/Scientists)
For researchers and scientific staff, simplified provisions apply pursuant to § 18d and § 19c of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in conjunction with § 5 of the Residence Regulation (BeschV). The Embassy in Kampala provides a separate checklist for this purpose.
Typical documents (example from the Research Information Sheet):
- National visa application form, declaration pursuant to § 54 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
- Passport + copy, 2 biometric photos.
- Complete curriculum vitae.
- Hosting agreement or employment contract with the research institution, specifying the nature of the scientific activity, position, duration, funding (salary or scholarship), name of the institution, and, if applicable, BAMF recognition.
- Proof of relevant university degree (e.g., doctorate or master’s degree qualifying for doctoral programs).
- Declaration of commitment from the research institution to cover costs with public funds for up to 6 months after the end of the project – not required for institutions predominantly publicly funded or of special public interest.
- Proof of health insurance; fee €75; processing usually takes 1–2 months.