Working in Bavaria

Some important information should you plan a long-time work assignment or immigration in Bavaria.

• For up to 90 days, Canadian citizens may visit Germany or travel there for work without a visa
• In order to stay longer than 90 days – to live or work there – Canadian citizens will require a permit. The application must be made through the German embassy in Ottawa or a German consulate (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver).
   
• Canadians already in Germany may apply for a visa with the proper authority (Munich: Foreigners Authority, Ausländerbehörde)
• Citizens 18 to 35 years of age may apply for a simplified work permit under the “Youth Mobility Program”. The application must be made when in Canada, through the Germany embassy in Ottawa or a German consulate (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver). To learn more about the “Youth Mobility Program”, please read the Work and travel in Germany guide (pdf, 980 KB).

• Work issues are mainly a federal responsibility. Visit the home page of the German National Work Agency to see current job offers (in German, English and French)
• The German social insurance plan is universal and mandatory, on the employer's part as well as the employee's. Through the above link you will find all necessary information.
   
• Equivalencies of foreign qualifications are decided upon by the German Chambers of Commerce (IHK) as of April 2012. The central office IHK-FOSA (IHK-Foreign Skills Approval), is located within the IHK Nuremberg.