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If you plan to work in Germany as a non-EU/EEA national, your employer may need Labour Market Approval, commonly called BA Approval (Bundesagentur für Arbeit approval).
This approval is issued by Germany’s Federal Employment Agency (BA) and confirms that hiring a foreign worker does not negatively affect the German labour market and that the job meets legal wage and working conditions.
In many work visa cases, BA approval is a mandatory step before a residence and work permit can be granted.
What Is BA Approval?
BA Approval is an official authorization from the Federal Employment Agency that allows an employer to hire a foreign national for a specific job role.
It verifies that:
• The job conditions comply with German labour laws
• Salary matches local or collective agreement standards
• No unfair advantage is given to foreign workers
• Priority checks (if required) are satisfied
Without this approval, the work permit application may be refused.
When Is BA Approval Required?
BA approval is generally required for:
• Skilled workers with vocational qualifications
• General employment roles
• Temporary or seasonal jobs
• Workers without EU Blue Card eligibility
It ensures that recruitment aligns with Germany’s employment policies.
When Is BA Approval NOT Required?
Certain categories are exempt, including:
• EU Blue Card holders meeting salary thresholds
• Highly qualified professionals
• Researchers and scientists
• Intra-company transfers
• Some shortage occupations
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
These applicants can often proceed without labour market testing.
What Does the BA Check?
During the review process, the Federal Employment Agency evaluates:
Working Conditions
The worker must receive:
• Fair wages comparable to German employees
• Legal working hours
• Proper employment protections
Job Authenticity
The position must be:
• Genuine and necessary
• Clearly defined with a valid contract
• Not created solely for visa purposes
Labour Market Impact (Priority Check, if applicable)
For some roles, the agency checks whether:
• A German or EU worker is available first
• Hiring a foreign worker will not disadvantage local job seekers
How Does the BA Approval Process Work?
The process usually follows these steps:
1 Employer offers a job contract
2 Worker applies for a German work visa or residence permit
3 Immigration authorities forward the case to the Federal Employment Agency
4 BA reviews salary, conditions, and labour market criteria
5 Approval (or refusal) is issued
6 Final visa decision is made
Applicants typically do not apply separately — the review happens automatically during the visa process.
How Long Does BA Approval Take?
Processing times vary but generally range from:
• 1 to 6 weeks, depending on the job type and documentation
Delays can occur if:
• Salary details are unclear
• Documents are incomplete
• Labour market testing is required
Key Benefits of BA Approval
• Ensures legal and fair employment
• Protects workers’ rights
• Prevents underpayment or exploitation
• Maintains labour market balance
• Supports transparent immigration procedures
Conclusion
Labour Market Approval (BA Approval) is an essential safeguard in Germany’s work visa system. It ensures that foreign workers are hired fairly, paid correctly, and do not negatively impact local employment opportunities. Understanding whether your job requires BA approval can help you plan your work permit process smoothly and avoid delays.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. German immigration and labour regulations may change. Always refer to official authorities or licensed advisors before applying.
January 24, 2026
