The accelerated skilled worker procedure is a mechanism that shortens the time needed to bring foreign workers to Germany. It is an option used by many German companies when they urgently need to hire skilled personnel.
What is the accelerated skilled worker procedure
This is a process based on Section 81a of the Residence Act, which allows entry applications for skilled workers to be processed faster than the standard process. The key difference is that legally set time limits apply.
Unlike the traditional visa filing approach, here it is the German employer that initiates the procedure.
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The company initiates the procedure at the Foreigners’ Authority in Germany, together with a specific employment contract and a power of attorney from the worker abroad. Both parties sign an agreement setting out each side’s responsibilities.
The procedure fee is €411 EUR, paid by the employer. Once all conditions are met, the company receives a pre-approval that is forwarded to the worker to apply for their visa.
Who is suited to this procedure
Theo the official Make it in Germany portal of the German Government, most applications are concentrated in healthcare, nursing and elderly care occupations.
In addition, IT professionals and chefs also commonly use this accelerated procedure.
Advice for Vietnamese workers
Since the employer is the one initiating the process, the most important thing for you is having a valid employment contract and your qualification documents ready. Qualification recognition should be completed or already underway in parallel.
The M2W team will advise on how to coordinate with your German employer to make the most of the accelerated pathway.
Read more: Overview of migrating to Germany · Latest conditions for skilled worker immigration to Germany 2026
