MIG/MAG welder (135/136)
Licences / certificates: EN ISO 9606-1 certificate (can be arranged pre-departure)
How we test: Test coupon in required positions (PB/PF/PC), visual inspection
Hire Welders in Germany — Skilled Immigration Act Route
German fabricators and shipyards hire non-EU welders under the Skilled Immigration Act. The critical path is recognition of the welder's qualification — a formal vocational certificate plus an accredited EN ISO 9606 certificate makes recognition straightforward, and the experience-based route covers welders with two years' relevant experience and a recognised training qualification. ManBe files recognition before sourcing is complete, coupon-tests every welder, and prepares the Federal Employment Agency file with comparable-pay evidence.
Talk to Sales12–20 weeks
Typical lead time
§24a BeschV
Driver route
Federal Employment Agency
Approval
up to 15 (+6) months
Qualification window
Welders & Metalworkers we recruit for Germany
TIG welder (141) stainless / aluminium
Licences / certificates: EN ISO 9606-1 / -2
How we test: Test coupon, root and cap inspection
Shipyard welder / hull fitter
Licences / certificates: EN ISO 9606, shipyard safety
How we test: Overhead and vertical positions, fitting to drawing
Steel fabricator / fitter
Licences / certificates: Trade test
How we test: Drawing reading, assembly, tack welding
Permit route for welding in Germany
Residence permit for employment under the Skilled Immigration Act; a dedicated route for professional drivers under §24a of the Employment Regulation (BeschV). Full Germany guide →
| Route | Who it's for | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional driver (§24a BeschV) | Non-EU truck and bus drivers with a valid home licence | 8–16 weeks incl. visa; qualification completed in Germany within 15 months (extendable by 6) | Two variants: direct employment if the licence and qualification are already recognisable, or employment with in-country qualification. The contract must commit the driver to obtaining the German C/CE licence, accelerated basic qualification and language skills, and the employer to making that feasible. |
| Skilled worker with recognised qualification (§18a/18b AufenthG) | Welders, technicians, engineers with a recognised vocational or academic qualification | Recognition 2–4 months, then visa 4–8 weeks | Recognition of the foreign qualification is the critical path; the Federal Employment Agency checks comparable pay and conditions. |
| EU Blue Card | Degree holders above the salary threshold | 4–8 weeks | Fastest route for engineers and managers. |
OUR PROCESS
A transparent, four-step journey to the perfect hire:
Brief & Blueprint
We kick off with a detailed intake role specs, culture fit, KPIs.
Search & Shortlist
Our talent network and AI-driven matching deliver a hand-picked shortlist.
Interview & Validate
We coordinate interviews, administer assessments and finalize compliance.
Place & Support
From offer acceptance to relocation logistics, we stay by your side.
Welders & Metalworkers in Germany — FAQ
- It proves skill but not the vocational qualification the Skilled Immigration Act looks for; we combine it with the welder's formal training certificate or use the experience-based route.
- Certificates issued by an accredited body (TÜV, Bureau Veritas, DNV and similar) are generally accepted; employer-specific requalification on arrival is common for critical work. We use accredited test centres.
- Yes — shipbuilding in Klaipėda, Gdańsk and Gdynia is a regular destination, usually on sub-renting contracts with the yard's subcontractors.
- Yes, under §24a of the Employment Regulation: the driver arrives with a valid home licence and a contract committing both sides to complete the German C/CE licence and Code 95 within 15 months (extendable by 6).
- The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) must consent, checking that pay and conditions are comparable to German employees'.
Also hiring welding in: Lithuania, Latvia, Poland · Other sectors in Germany: Truck drivers, Skilled professionals
NEED WELDERS & METALWORKERS IN GERMANY?
Tell us the headcount, start date and any licences or certificates you require. We reply within 24 hours with a shortlist plan and the Germany timeline.
- ✓ Reply within 24 hours on working days
- ✓ Walk-in interviews and skills tests in the source country
- ✓ Permits, visas, travel and onboarding handled end-to-end