Visa for occupational therapists: the accelerated skilled-worker procedure under § 81a
The accelerated skilled-worker procedure shortens the way to Germany to a few months. We explain deadlines, residence titles and documents and coordinate the procedure with your employer.
Standard for every DIH placement, fee usually paid by the employer
The accelerated skilled-worker procedure in brief
Under § 81a of the Residence Act, your future employer can run the visa procedure in accelerated form at the central foreigners authority of its federal state. The authority coordinates the recognition authority, the Federal Employment Agency and the embassy with fixed deadlines. The fee is €411 and is usually paid by the employer.
- The recognition authority decides within two months after the documents are complete
- Visa appointment at the embassy within three weeks after pre-approval
- Visa decision within three weeks after application
- Family reunification can be applied for in the same procedure
Which visa fits your situation
| Situation | Residence title | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Full recognition granted | Skilled worker with vocational (§ 18a) or academic (§ 18b) training | Licence to use the professional title, employment contract, approval of the Employment Agency |
| Deficit notice, compensation in Germany | Recognition of foreign qualifications (§ 16d) | Deficit notice, employment contract as therapist in recognition, German usually B1 or B2, secured livelihood |
| Procedure not yet started, employer confirmed | Recognition partnership (§ 16d para. 3) | At least two years of training, German A2, agreement with employer, recognition application after arrival |
| German course before starting work | Language course (§ 16f) or combined with § 16d | Course place, financing, goal of professional recognition |
The foreigners authority and the embassy decide which title applies. We prepare the documents and coordinate the procedure with the employer; we do not provide legal advice.
Documents for the visa
From you
Passport, biometric photos, CV, diploma with translation, German certificate, health insurance for entry, proof of housing (often from the employer), for family reunification marriage and birth certificates with apostille.
From the employer
Employment contract with salary and job description, declaration on the employment relationship for the Employment Agency, § 81a application with power of attorney, for § 16d a description of the adaptation measure.
From the authorities
Deficit notice or licence from the recognition authority, pre-approval of the foreigners authority, approval of the Federal Employment Agency. These steps run bundled in the § 81a procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family come to Germany with me?
Yes. Spouses and minor children can join you, often in the same § 81a procedure. Requirements are adequate housing and a secured livelihood; spouses of skilled workers are exempt from the language requirement in many cases.
How long does the visa really take with § 81a?
From complete documents to the visa we expect 2 to 4 months. The statutory deadlines are shorter; in practice translations, appointment allocation and document requests add time. Without § 81a, 6 to 12 months are not unusual.
What does the visa cost?
The fee for the accelerated procedure is €411, the visa itself €75. Translations, apostilles and travel come on top. Which costs the employer covers is set in the employment contract; we raise this before signing.
Plan your visa
We check which residence title fits your situation and start the § 81a procedure together with your employer.