Professional driver
Explanation of the requirements for the activity of professional drivers in Germany (§ 24a BeschV).
German Citizenship through VISAGUARD
how the employment of foreign professional drivers works
Requirements for a visa for professional drivers
which special features apply to driver's license recognition (FeV)
all about the application process for a visa for professional drivers
Table of Content
1. Employment of foreign professional drivers
2. Requirements for a professional driver visa
3. Application procedure for a professional driver visa
4. Alternative employment opportunities for professional drivers
5. Conclusion foreign professional drivers
1. Employment of foreign professional drivers
International freight transport is a central component of the global economy and enables the worldwide trade of goods. Modern logistics solutions, digital freight tracking, and efficient transport routes by road, rail, sea, and air ensure the reliable functioning of supply chains. Companies are increasingly relying on intermodal transport solutions and sustainable logistics strategies to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Germany, too, is experiencing a growing demand for professional drivers in freight and passenger transport. Due to the shortage of skilled workers in Germany, the employment of foreign drivers is becoming increasingly important. Drivers from third countries can work in Germany with a visa pursuant to Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in conjunction with Section 24a of the Employment Regulations (BeschV) . Here you can find out what requirements must be met and how the visa application process works.
2. Requirements for a professional driver visa
For third-country nationals to work as professional drivers in Germany, certain requirements must be met. The most important requirements for third-country national professional drivers are the following:
Employment contract with a German company: There must be a concrete job offer and the working conditions must not be worse than those of domestic employees (Section 39 (3) No. 1 of the Residence Act).
Valid driving license and basic qualification : An EU or EEA driving license of categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, or DE, as well as a basic qualification, are required. If you only have a third-country driving license, it must be converted into an EU/EEA driving license in advance. This can also be done within six months of taking up residence in Germany ( Section 29 of the Driving Licence Regulations ).
Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (BA): The BA examines whether the working conditions for the truck driver are appropriate. Of particular relevance is the minimum salary for professional drivers of approximately €2,500–€2,800. Drivers over the age of 45 require at least approximately €4,100 or an appropriate pension.
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3. Application procedure for a professional driver visa
If the above requirements are met, you can apply for a professional driver visa. You must follow these steps:
Conclude an employment contract with a German company.
Convert your driving license or provide proof of basic qualification.
Apply for a visa at the German diplomatic mission abroad.
Obtain approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
After entering the country, apply for a residence permit and, if necessary, take a driving test.
4. Alternative employment opportunities for professional drivers
If it is not possible to obtain a visa specifically for professional drivers under Section 24a of the Employment Ordinance, there are also alternative employment opportunities for professional drivers. For example, the Western Balkans regulation allows third-country nationals from the Western Balkans a residence permit pursuant to Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 26 Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance to take up any employment with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency (BA). The visa application must be submitted in Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro or North Macedonia, provided that the applicant's habitual residence is there. There is a quota of a maximum of 50,000 approvals per year. For more information on the Western Balkans regulation, we have written a separate VISAGUARD article .
In addition to the Western Balkans Regulation, there are other options for employing third-country nationals from certain countries. One of our VISAGUARD labor migration lawyers would be happy to advise you on this.
Summary of this Page
Employing foreign professional drivers offers companies in Germany an important solution to the shortage of skilled workers in the transport and logistics sector. Drivers from third countries can be employed using a visa pursuant to Section 19c of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 24a of the Employment Ordinance if they have the necessary qualifications and a German employment contract. Alternatively, the Western Balkans Regulation opens up additional opportunities for legal employment. A careful review of the requirements for a professional driver visa and professional support during the application process ensure success and ensure legally secure entry for skilled workers.
