Nationals from EU Member States do not require a work permit

Nationals from EU Member States do not require a work permit due
to the EU rights of freedom of movement.

Foreign nationals from outside the EU who are not self-employed
and intend to work in Germany need a work permit in addition to
a residence permit. This work permit can be granted by law (for
instance, permission of settlement carries automatic entitlement
to work). Otherwise, any gainful employment must be specifcally
authorized in the residence title (visa or residence permit). Before
granting permission to work, the immigration offce must obtain
the approval of the employment offce.

Certain persons, including
members of the management board of corporations, are exempt
from the requirement of a work permit. Various other employees
(e. G. Employees on short-term foreign assignment for special
construction jobs) may be exempt from the requirement of a work
permit upon offcial notifcation towards the employment offce.

Highly qualifed employees can be granted work and residence per-
mits of indefinite duration. There are two groups of highly qualifed
employees:
– Scientists with extraordinary qualifcations
– High-level teachers/professors or high-level research
assistants