Germany: work visas, the Opportunity Card and seasonal work

To work in Germany, a Georgian citizen normally needs a national visa, applied for at the German Embassy in Tbilisi. Seasonal work is the exception: Georgian citizens can get a seasonal work permit without a visa.

1. Employment visa (embassy leaflet D2a): you need the employer's completed declaration on the employment, proof of qualifications with translation (a foreign degree should usually be recognised or comparable), a full CV in German, passport, biometric photo, and travel or 'incoming' insurance for at least one week.
2. Applicants aged 45 or over need a salary of at least EUR 4,648 a month (EUR 55,770 a year) in 2026.
3. The employer can obtain the Federal Employment Agency's approval in advance (Vorabzustimmung), which speeds things up.
4. The fee is EUR 75 (EUR 37.50 under 18), paid in lari. Appointments only through the embassy's online system. Processing takes from a few working days to 6–8 weeks if German authorities must be involved. Don't book flights before you have the visa.
5. The Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) is issued for up to one year to look for work: you need at least 6 points or a fully recognised qualification, German A1 or English B2, at least EUR 1,091 a month to live on, and private insurance for the whole period. Work of up to 20 hours a week is allowed.
6. Seasonal work (mainly agriculture): up to 90 days in any 180, at least 30 hours a week. Georgian citizens can get the work permit without a visa if the job meets the seasonal criteria; the registration form goes to the Federal Employment Agency. You may not start earlier or work longer than the permit states.

• German Embassy Tbilisi: Leaflet D2a — visa for employment ↗
• German Embassy Tbilisi: Leaflet D2d — Opportunity Card ↗
• Federal Employment Agency: Seasonal work in Germany ↗

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — check the official sources or ask the relevant authority before making a decision.