Information on work visas for truck drivers
All information provided in this leaflet is based on the state of knowledge of the German Embassy at the time of composition. No responsibility is taken for the completeness or correctness of this information.
If you intend to work as a truck driver in Germany, you have to apply for a work visa before entering Germany. Your visa application will be processed in cooperation with the agency of labour in Germany. Therefore, processing time usually takes about 2-4 weeks. The embassy highly recommends submitting your visa application as early as possible to avoid a delay of your entry into Germany. A visa application can be submitted up to three months prior to the intended date of entry.
The embassy recommends to submit your visa application via our consular service portal www.digital.diplo.de . After a pre-check has been done, you will receive a link to book your appointment at the embassy. The visa fee is 75€ and can be paid in cash or by credit card.
Your application will be processed according to one of the following categories:
According to Art. 24a par. 1 German Labour Code if you already hold a EU driver’s license as well as EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95) (see alternative A below) or
According to Art. 24a par. 2 German Labour Code if you will acquire a EU driver’s license and/or a EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95) after your arrival in Germany (see alternative B below).
The following documents are requested in any case:
one filled in and signed application forms including information according to Art. 55 German Law on Aliens
1 biometric passport pictures, not older than six months, white background, size: 45x35mm
Travel health insurance (see information below)
The following documents have to be submitted in original with one simple copy each:
Curriculum Vitae including information on previous employers and places of work
For applicants older than 45 years when submitting the application: a salary not less than 55% of the yearly contribution assessment ceiling of the pension insurance (2025: 4,427.50€ gross per month/ 53,130€ gross per year) or proof alternative sufficient retirement provision.
Alternative A: EU driver’s license and EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95) from an EU member state
Valid EU driver’s license
Valid EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95)
Proof of employment by a Lithuanian company (work contract) and/or Lithuanian residence permit at the time of acquiring the EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95)
Alternative B: EU driver’s license and/or EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95) will be acquired in Germany
German work contract including the obligation to attend necessary trainings to obtain an EU driver’s license and/or EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95),
If you will not work as a truck driver while obtaining truck driver’s qualifications, this will have to be regulated by your work contract as well as form “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” and the work contract has to allow you to attend all necessary trainings within 15 months,
Detailed job offer as a truck driver once you obtained the EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95) including form “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” including annex C, filled out by employer
Proof of all planned trainings, e.g. registration at a driving school
Valid third country driver’s license
If existing: valid EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95) including proof of employment by a Lithuanian company (work contract) and/or Lithuanian residence permit at the time of acquisition
General information:
Job offers requiring a driver’s license class B and – if applicable – a passenger transport license, are not covered by Art. 24a German Labour code and this information paper.
Be aware of age limits of 18, 21 and 23 for truck drivers in road haulage.
All foreign language documents (except passport) have to be accompanied by a translation into German.
Health insurance: The mandatory health insurance in Germany covers you only once you have actually started to study in Germany. Therefore, together with your visa application you have to provide an additional travel health insurance for the validity of your visa. It is not sufficient to submit your Lithuanian health insurance card as this insurance will end upon your stay in Lithuania.
Make sure to submit all requested documents. Incomplete applications may be refused upon submitting or after processing your application. The embassy may request additional documents upon submitting or while processing your application.
Check list
This check list shall help you to prepare your application. Make sure to sort your documents (originals and copies) according to that list. Originals will be given back during your visit at the embassy.
Application form with one picture
Passport and Lithuanian residence permit
Work contract
Form “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis” including annex C
Driver’s license
If applicable: EU truck driver’s qualification (code 95) including proof of employment by a Lithuanian company (work contract) and/or Lithuanian residence permit at the time of acquisition
If applicable: Proof of all planned trainings, e.g. registration at a driving school
Travel health insurance
If applicable: further documents
