Transita

Skilled Worker Visa (Qualified) vs Skilled Worker Visa

🇩🇪 Germany · §18a AufenthGvs🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Skilled Worker

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to cost, processing speed, and where you want to work. The UK Skilled Worker demands a points-based assessment and language test but offers a direct 5-year path. Germany's option is cheaper and faster to process, but with stricter education requirements. Your choice depends on job market access, budget, and timeline.

Section 01

At a glance

§18a AufenthG
Skilled Worker
Processing time
2–5 months
1–3 months
Application fee
$100
$3,290
Initial validity
4 yrs
5 yrs
Path to PR
Yes — ~4 yrs
Yes — ~5 yrs
Points-based
No
Yes
Employer sponsor
Required
Required
Minimum salary
$34,000/yr
Language test
Not required
Required
Verified
2026-05-02
2026-05-02
Section 02

Which one fits you?

  1. 01

    Budget constraints

    Pick §18a AufenthG

    Pick Germany if cost is critical. The $100 fee is significantly lower.

    Pick Skilled Worker

    Pick UK if you can afford the $3,290 application fee for established job markets.

  2. 02

    Processing speed

    Pick §18a AufenthG

    Pick Germany if you can wait. Processing takes 2-5 months but visa is cheaper.

    Pick Skilled Worker

    Pick UK if you need a decision quickly. Processing takes 1-3 months.

  3. 03

    Language requirements

    Pick §18a AufenthG

    Pick Germany if you prefer skipping language tests. No test required for this visa.

    Pick Skilled Worker

    Pick UK if you're confident in English. A language test is mandatory.

  4. 04

    Points-based assessment

    Pick §18a AufenthG

    Pick Germany if you want to avoid points systems. Just need a bachelor's degree and job offer.

    Pick Skilled Worker

    Pick UK if your qualifications and salary easily meet the points threshold.

Still can't decide?

Take the 14-question quiz. We'll score your specific profile against §18a AufenthG, Skilled Worker, and 60+ other pathways and tell you which is the best fit — with the why.

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