Professional driver visa
All information on visa applications for truck drivers/professional drivers in Germany.
Here you learn ...
when truck drivers receive a work permit in Germany
what visa options are available for professional drivers in Germany
under what conditions professional drivers can obtain a visa
how the application process works for truck drivers
Table of Content
1. Employment of foreign professional drivers (trucks)
2. Requirements for a professional driver visa
3. Application procedure for a professional driver visa
4. Alternative employment opportunities for professional drivers
5. Conclusion Stay of professional drivers
1. Employment of foreign professional drivers (trucks)
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 and truck 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 Paragraph 3 No. 1 Residence Act ).
Valid driving license and basic qualification for truck drivers : 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 only a third-country driver's license is available, 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.
CONTACT US
Are you looking for a lawyer in German immigration and foreigners law? We are happy to support you in residence procedures before embassies, immigration authorities and administrative courts.
Contact us to book a video call consultation with a German immigration lawyer!
VISAGUARD.Berlin Legal Services
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 alternative employment opportunities for professional drivers. For example, the Western Balkans Regulation Third-country nationals from the Western Balkans are granted a residence permit pursuant to Section 19c Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 26 Paragraph 2 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) 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 the applicant's habitual residence is located there. A maximum of 50,000 approvals are permitted per year. For further information on the Western Balkans regulations, 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
Germany relies heavily on qualified professional drivers – particularly in international freight and passenger transport. Targeted regulations such as Section 24a of the Employment Regulations (BeschV) and the Western Balkans Regulation offer third-country nationals concrete opportunities for legal employment as truck drivers. Anyone who meets the necessary requirements, such as an employment contract, a valid driver's license, and approval from the Federal Employment Agency, can successfully apply for a professional driver visa. Despite bureaucratic hurdles, it is clear that the path to the German labor market is open to qualified drivers. Thanks to specialized legal advice – such as that offered by VISAGUARD – applications can be optimally prepared and legally supported. This ensures a successful and sustainable entry into the profession as a professional driver in Germany.
