The accelerated skilled labour procedure

The accelerated skilled labour procedure offers Schleswig-Holstein companies a fast residence procedure for skilled workers. In the accelerated skilled labour procedure, we act as the interface to recognition offices, the Federal Employment Agency and the German embassies and consulates general abroad. This means that visas can be issued within 1 to 4 months. 

As soon as you have decided to hire a foreign skilled worker, you may make use of the accelerated skilled labour procedure in accordance with Section 81a AufenthG (Residence Act) at the Central Office for Skilled Labour Immigration. With the accelerated skilled labour procedure in accordance with Section 81a AufenthG, the legislator has initiated an opportunity to facilitate and accelerate the entry and employment of qualified skilled workers from third countries. The central Foreigners' Authority checks the requirements for granting the permit, coordinates the recognition and obtains the labour market approval of the Federal Employment Agency. Once the documents have been checked and the requirements for granting the visa have been met, a so-called preliminary approval for the visa application is issued. This entitles the applicant to an accelerated appointment and processing at the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad. 

The Central Office for Skilled Labour Immigration at the State Office for Immigration and Refugees is responsible for the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein. Further information about the requirements and how to apply can be found on the authority's homepage. 

Find out more about the accelerated skilled labour procedure

For which group of people may the procedure be used?

  • Third-country nationals who do not yet have a German residence permit or visa
  • Skilled workers with a qualified foreign vocational qualification (usually at least 2 years) or skilled workers with at least the first academic degree of a Bachelor's degree (usually at least 3 years)
  • Future trainees for a German vocational training programme
  • In individual cases, company specialists, executives, IT specialists without formal training or professional drivers with an existing EU/EEA driving licence and basic qualification. 

What advantages do I have with the accelerated skilled labour procedure?

  • Competent advice on residence law and implementation from a single source 
  • Faster recognition and labour market approval thanks to shortened legal deadlines 
  • Domestic examination under residence law before the actual visa application 
  • Faster appointments and visa allocations at foreign missions thanks to our advance approval 
  • In the accelerated skilled labour procedure, we act as an interface to recognition offices, the Federal Employment Agency and German embassies and consulates general abroad
Smiling Portrait of a Beautiful Latin Female Industrial Engineer in White Hard Hat, High-Visibility Vest Working on Tablet Computer. Inspector or Safety Supervisor in Container Terminal.

What is required and how can I make use of the procedure?

If you have already found a suitable skilled worker abroad and would like to hire them as quickly as possible, please send us all relevant documents such as a colour copy of your passport, qualification and employment documents, language certificates and authorisation if applicable to the following e-mail address: zsfe@lfa.landsh.de

We will review your enquiry within a week and check your documents. If you require further advice, we will be happy to contact you.The process only begins once we have concluded an agreement with you. The preliminary review is non-binding and free of charge. At the start of the procedure, fees of EUR 411 will be filed in accordance with Section 47 (1) No. 15 AufenthV (Residence Ordinance). 

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