Work visa for Germany under the Western Balkans Regulation
The work visa for Germany under the Western Balkans Regulation allows nationals of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo to obtain a work permit without recognition of their qualifications and without formal training in a particular occupation.
Who can obtain a work visa under the Western Balkans Regulation?
The German work visa under the Western Balkans Regulation is intended for:
- Nationals of the Western Balkan countries
- People with a concrete job offer in Germany
- Candidates with no entry or residence ban
- People who meet the general requirements for the issuing of a national visa
What does the Western Balkans work visa procedure look like?
The procedure for obtaining a German work visa under the Western Balkans Regulation comprises the following stages:
- Step 1Preparation and analysis of the employment contract
- Step 2Application for the VorabzustimmungApproval by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
- Step 3Booking the appointment at the embassy
- Step 4Filing the visa application
- Step 5Awaiting the decision and issuing of the visa
Our complete support for the German work visa
Analysis and optimisation of the employment relationship
Before filing the application we carry out:
- A detailed analysis of the employment contract
- A check of the salary against the collective pay scales
- An assessment of compliance with regional standards
- Guidance for the employer on optimising the working conditions
The aim is for the application to be aligned with the practice of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit before it is even filed.
Vorabzustimmung: approval by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit
- We assist the employer in filing the request
- We create and activate the profile with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit
- We review the complete documentation before submission
- We monitor the procedure and respond to any requests for additional documents
A correctly filed request for prior approval (Vorabzustimmung) significantly increases the chances of a positive decision and can shorten the waiting time for the visa.
Preparation for the embassy and filing the application
- Completing the VIDEX form
- Assembling the documentation in the correct order
- Checking all documents before the appointment
- Guidance for the interview
- Identifying potential risks
Monitoring the procedure and communication
After the application has been filed:
- We monitor the status of the case
- We communicate with the embassy, the Federal Employment Agency, the competent immigration office and other authorities
- We respond in the event of requests for additional documents
- We intervene in the event of prolonged waiting
Examples from practice: Western Balkans work visa
Salary formally at the minimum, but not in line with the pay scale
In one case the salary complied with the general minimum wage, but not with the sectoral pay-scale minimum for the specific industry and region. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit refused the Vorabzustimmung. After analysing the collective agreement and adjusting the working conditions, the approval was granted and the procedure successfully continued.
Job title and pay grade not matching
The application was refused because of a discrepancy between the job title in the contract, the job description and the pay grade. After the description of duties was clarified and the documentation aligned, the Vorabzustimmung was granted.
Four months of waiting due to an incorrectly filed request
The candidate waited more than four months without any information about the status of the application. It turned out that the request for prior approval (Vorabzustimmung) had not been filed correctly. After we took over the case and filed the request properly, the approval and the visa were granted within a short time.
Most common reasons for refusal of a Western Balkans work visa
Salary not in line with pay-scale standards
Unclear or incorrectly worded job description
Formal errors in the documentation
Request for the Vorabzustimmung filed too late
Insufficient coordination between employer and candidate
Frequently asked questions
Related services
Blue Card / skilled professionals
A residence permit for highly qualified professionals, from assessing the requirements and the recognition of your degree to filing the application and communicating with the institutions.
Learn moreFamily reunification
A visa for spouses and children, professional support from preparing the documents and booking the appointment to the final decision.
Learn moreChange of employer / Zustimmung
Approval for a change of employer or position, analysis of your permit, preparation of the application and communication with the institutions.
Learn moreAre you planning to apply for a German work visa?
Contact us so that we can analyse your situation and propose the most efficient way forward.