- Most Kenyan applicants get to Germany with a job offer and the EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit.
- You apply for the visa at the German Embassy in Nairobi, and many visa types can be applied for online.
- Check your university and degree in anabin before you apply, or get a ZAB statement of comparability.
- Never pay anyone for a job offer or a guaranteed visa.
Germany and Kenya signed a migration and mobility agreement in September 2024 to open more regular routes for skilled workers. That doesn't create jobs by itself, but it shows Germany wants Kenyan talent. Here is how to use the routes that exist.
The routes that work from Kenya
| Route | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | A job offer with at least €50,700 a year in 2026, or €45,934.20 in shortage occupations such as IT and engineering, plus a recognised degree. |
| Skilled worker permit | A job in your field with a recognised degree or vocational qualification. |
| Experience route | For non-regulated jobs: a qualification recognised in Kenya, 2 years of experience in the last 5, and at least €45,630 a year in 2026, or pay under a collective agreement (Make it in Germany). |
| Opportunity Card | Live in Germany for up to a year to look for work, with at least 6 points plus German A1 or English B2, and €1,091 a month in funds in 2026. |
| Study, then work | A master's in Germany, then up to 18 months to find a job after graduation. |
| Ausbildung | Paid vocational training in Germany, usually with B1 German. |
The rules are the same for every nationality. What changes is where you apply and how your degree is assessed. For the salary rules, read my EU Blue Card guide.
Where you apply for the visa
You apply at the German mission responsible for where you live: in Kenya that is the German Embassy in Nairobi. All visa sections at German missions have been connected to the online Consular Services Portal since 1 January 2025, and long term visas for 28 purposes, including work, can be applied for online (Federal Foreign Office). If your type of visa is not yet available online at your mission, you can still apply on paper with an appointment. Book early, because appointment waiting times vary.
Get your degree checked first
Search your university and degree in anabin. If the university is listed as H+ and your degree is listed as equivalent, you can usually print that page for the visa. If not, apply to the ZAB for a statement of comparability, which takes time, so start early. Regulated professions such as doctors, nurses and teachers need full recognition (Recognition in Germany). My degree recognition guide explains the steps.
Fields where Kenyan applicants do well
- Software and IT: Nairobi's tech scene fits English speaking teams in Germany.
- Nursing and care: with recognition and German.
- Ausbildung: paid vocational training with B1 German.
- Hospitality: with German.
See current English speaking jobs whose ads mention visa or relocation support on my live job board for Germany.
A practical plan
- Check your degree. anabin first, then ZAB if needed.
- Rebuild your CV for Germany. Two pages, results with numbers, keywords from each ad. See the German CV format.
- Start German now. Even A1 or A2 shows commitment. Find a Goethe-Institut or a licensed exam centre near you.
- Apply to 10 to 15 well matched jobs a week. Use the job board, company career pages and LinkedIn, and follow up with recruiters.
- Sign the contract, then book the visa. Your employer can also start the fast-track procedure at the local immigration office in Germany to speed things up.
Bringing your family
If you come as a skilled worker, your spouse does not need to prove German before joining you, and can work in Germany without restriction once they have their residence permit. You need health insurance and enough money to support your family (Make it in Germany).
Common questions
Can I get a job in Germany from Kenya without German?
Yes, especially in IT, engineering and research at international companies. German opens many more jobs, so start learning early.
Do I need an agent?
No. A real employer never asks you to pay for a job, and nobody can guarantee a visa. Apply directly to employers and only pay official fees to the embassy or its official service provider.
How long does it take?
It depends on your field and how well you apply. Many people need several months of focused applications, plus time for the visa.
Does the Germany and Kenya agreement give me a job?
No. It supports regular migration, but you still need a job offer or another route such as the Opportunity Card, and you apply through the normal visa process.
Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.
