Documents for drivers from Ukraine to Germany
Germany is short of tens of thousands of drivers and since 2023 has a dedicated rule for professional drivers from outside the EU: Section 24a BeschV. A permit is possible even without an EU licence if the employer commits to getting you the German licence and Code 95 within 15 months.
Your passport allows visa-free entry to Schengen for up to 90 days, but not work. The national visa D for employment must be obtained at the German embassy before entry, otherwise no permit will be issued. From late 2026 visa-free travel requires ETIAS.
Specifics for citizens of Ukraine
Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection (Section 24 AufenthG) may work immediately without a separate work permit: only the entry “Erwerbstätigkeit erlaubt” is needed. Ukrainian C/CE licences are recognised in the EU until temporary protection ends, but commercial driving still requires Code 95.
Steps in order
- Contract with the German employerThe employer signs an employment contract or binding offer with you and fills in the BA form “Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis”. Since November 2023 the employer confirms your licence and qualification; the BA no longer checks them.
- Two routes under Section 24a BeschVRoute 1 (para. 1): you already hold an EU/EEA C/CE licence and Code 95; the permit is granted directly. Route 2 (para. 2): you only have your home country's licence of the same class; the employer commits that you obtain the German licence and the accelerated initial qualification within 15 months and guarantees the driver job afterwards. No German language certificate is required for the visa.
- If you are 45 or olderThe permit requires either a salary above the threshold (for 2026 sources cite about €55,770 gross per year; check with the Ausländerbehörde) or proof of pension provision. Clarify this with the employer before applying.
- Visa D at the German embassyApplication via the Federal Foreign Office portal: passport, contract, Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis, licence with translation, proof of qualification or the employer's training plan, insurance until work starts. Fee €75. Processing takes weeks to months.
- Licence and Code 95 in GermanyNon-EU licences are valid for 6 months after taking residence, then must be converted (Umschreibung) at the Führerscheinstelle; most countries require theory and practical tests. Code 95 is obtained through the accelerated initial qualification (140 hours and IHK exam). Then the driver card for the tachograph.
- After arrivalWithin 14 days Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt (rental contract and landlord confirmation needed). Then the Ausländerbehörde issues the electronic residence permit. The employer registers social and health insurance, the tax ID comes by post, wages are paid only to a bank account.
Who pays what
Official sources
- Make it in Germany (Bundesregierung)
- § 24a BeschV
- § 26 BeschV (Westbalkanregelung)
- BMAS: Migration und Arbeit
- ETIAS (EU)
This is a general overview, not legal advice. Checked on 25/10/2026. Laws and fees change: verify on the official sites via the links and ask the employer in the chat.
Same country of work for other citizens
Kazakhstan · Uzbekistan · Kyrgyzstan · Tajikistan · Georgia · Armenia · Azerbaijan · Moldova · Belarus · Türkiye · Serbia · Bosnia & Herzegovina · North Macedonia · India · Philippines · Poland · Romania · Germany · United States
Detailed guides by country
Czechia · Kazakhstan · Lithuania · Netherlands · Poland · United States