Skilled Worker Visa UK from Germany

The most common way German nationals and other foreign workers come to the UK to reside long-term is through applying for a Skilled Worker visa. Those who are successful in acquiring the visa are able to stay in the UK to conduct the work their permit allows for a standard timeframe of 5 years before it will need to be extended.

It is important to understand how to maximise the chances of your employee being successful in the response to their application should you choose to apply for the Skilled Worker visa, including ensuring they meet the essential eligibility criteria in order to gain permission from the Home Office for such a visa, and that they are sufficiently prepared for the English language and cultural requirements that come with the application process.

Additionally, as an employer who wishes to acquire a Skilled Worker visa on behalf of a worker under your employment so that they may work and reside in the UK, you should understand the requirements in obtaining a sponsorship licence as a business in order for them to be able to qualify.

July 2025 Changes to Skilled Worker Visa

On 22 July 2025, a number of changes were made to the Skilled Worker visa as part of the new Immigration White Paper plans for the UK. These include the following:

• Raising the minimum skill level from RQF level 3 (equivalent to A-levels) to RQF level 6 (graduate level)
• Raising the minimum salary thresholds:
  • Standard Skilled Worker visa: from £38,700 to £41,700
  • If you have a PhD relevant to the job: from £34,830 to £37,500
  • PhD STEM / Immigration Salary List or New Entrant route: from £30,960 to £33,400
  • Transitional arrangements for those granted on the route prior to 4 April 2024 – minimum general threshold for those extending or making change of employment applications increasing from £29,000 to £31,300
• A new Temporary Shortage List will be introduced with around 60 critical roles set at RQF level 3-5. Candidates on this route will not be able to bring dependents with them or benefit from visa fee discounts
  • Additionally, these roles will be time-limited until the end of 2026 and will only remain if the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) give their recommendation to do so
  • The Immigration Salary List will still remain in place but be phased out by December 2026

More changes are expected to come throughout the year, so keep checking back with Total Law to stay informed of latest developments.

Page Contents

• Overview
• Skilled Worker Visa Requirements
• Sponsor Licence Requirements
• Application Process for Skilled Worker Visa
• Permanent Residency
• How Can Total Law Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you are an employer and you wish for a worker overseas to be employed at your company or branch in the UK, you must hold a valid sponsor licence in order to offer them the opportunity to obtain a certificate of sponsorship which is a key component of meeting the requirements for the Skilled Worker visa.

In order for your business to be eligible for a sponsor licence you must pay an application fee of £1,579 for a medium to large business or £574 for a small business. You will usually be deemed a small business if you have less than 50 employees or your annual turnover is £10.2 million or less.

You should be aware there is also an immigration skills charge that must be paid per skilled migrant worker by the company that is hiring. This will usually amount to £364 for the first year followed by £182 every six months for a small business, or £1000 for the first year followed by £500 every six months for a medium to large business.

It is also worth noting that your business mustn’t have any unspent criminal convictions for offences relating to immigration or other crimes such as laundering money or fraud.

During the application process you may have to submit proof to the Home Office about the legitimacy of your business practises in order to receive the sponsor licence. If you require assistance with your application to acquire a sponsor licence to enable you to hire foreign nationals, contact Total Law today at +44 (0)333 305 9375 or online.

To initiate the Skilled Worker visa application process from Germany on behalf of an employee, you can apply online up to 3 months prior to the intended start date. Before proceeding with the application, ensure that the required documentation is prepared for submission to the Home Office.

The employee may be required to attend an in-person appointment where they may have to present their:

• Proof of certificate of sponsorship
• Proof of job offer from employer with valid sponsor licence with salary requirements
• Proof of skill level requirement for prospective job offer
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Valid passport
• Proof of financial sufficiency to support themselves
• Proof of familial connection if applying with a partner or child

After paying the application fee of £769 per person if staying for up to 3 years or £1,519 for visits for longer durations, you can expect to hear a response within 3 weeks. There will also be a healthcare surcharge which is usually £1035 per year of stay in the UK.

If you are applying from within the UK, it is important to note that you cannot switch someone to this visa if they are in the UK on such visas as a short-term visit visa, a seasonal worker visa, or are on immigration bail.

If a prospective employee is applying from a Student visa they must complete the course of their study first before applying. For such applications the fee will be at a higher rate of £885 for stays of up to 3 years and £1,751 for longer stays.

It is important to note that you or the employee will be required to inform the Home Office of any changes to their career circumstances should they occur.