A concrete job offer
A binding offer of employment subject to social security contributions must exist – not an internship and not a non-binding letter of intent.
Employer guide
Westbalkanregelung (Western Balkans Regulation): hiring skilled and unskilled workers from the Western Balkans
The Westbalkanregelung (Western Balkans Regulation) gives people from six Western Balkan states access to the German labour market – regardless of any formal vocational qualification. This guide explains the requirements, process and documentation for employers, from candidate selection to the first day of work.
As of: August 2026
What the Westbalkanregelung (Western Balkans Regulation) is
The regulation is set out in § 26 paragraph 2 of the Beschäftigungsverordnung (Employment Ordinance). It applies to nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, and allows employment in Germany even without a vocational qualification recognised in Germany.
What matters is a concrete, binding job offer from an employer in Germany and the approval of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). Access is numerically limited; appointment scheduling at the German missions abroad follows a procedure with limited quotas.
Applies to
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
Requirements for employers
Approval by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency)
The Federal Employment Agency reviews the working conditions as part of the priority check and the working conditions check. The basis for this is the Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis (declaration of employment).
Locally standard working conditions
Pay, working hours and holiday entitlement must match the conditions of comparable employees in Germany. Deviations are the most common reason for rejection.
No placement restriction
Restrictions apply to certain occupational groups and situations. These should be checked before the contract is signed.
Visa appointment in the country of origin
The application is submitted to the competent German mission abroad. Appointment availability largely determines the start date.
Step-by-step process
- 01
Clarify needs and profile
Define the role, place of work, shift pattern, language level and desired start date. The more precise the profile, the more accurate the selection.
- 02
Selection and introduction
Candidates are introduced and interviews take place by video or on site.
- 03
Employment contract and declaration of employment
The employer signs the contract and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) form, with all details on the role, pay and working hours.
- 04
Prior approval under § 81a AufenthV
Through the accelerated skilled worker procedure, the immigration authority can grant prior approval. This significantly shortens the later review during the visa procedure.
- 05
Visa application and appointment
The candidate applies for the work visa at the German mission abroad and submits the contract, the declaration and, where applicable, the prior approval.
- 06
Arrival, registration and onboarding
After arrival, registration, the residence permit, social security enrolment and workplace induction follow. Accommodation should be arranged in advance.
Documents – who provides what
| Document | Responsible | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Employment contract | Employer | Complete, with role, pay and working hours |
| Declaration of employment | Employer | Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) form |
| Job description | Employer | Basis for the Federal Employment Agency's review |
| Passport | Candidate | Ensure sufficient validity period |
| Certificates and proof of qualification | Candidate | Translation may be required depending on the mission abroad |
| Visa appointment booking | Candidate | At the mission abroad in the country of origin |
| Prior approval under § 81a | Step2Job / Employer | Application to the competent immigration authority |
| Coordination and follow-up | Step2Job | Deadlines, queries, status updates |
Common pitfalls
Incomplete declaration of employment
Missing details on working hours or pay lead to queries and significantly lengthen the procedure.
Pay below the locally standard level
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) compares pay with domestic employees in the same role. Figures that are too low are rejected.
Underestimating appointment waiting times
Between signing the contract and the start of work, there is typically a wait of several months for the visa appointment.
Accommodation not arranged
Without housing, the start of employment often fails shortly before it is due to begin. This should be arranged early in the planning process.
No point of contact after arrival
Registration, opening a bank account, dealing with authorities and induction determine whether the employment relationship lasts.
Westbalkanregelung (Western Balkans Regulation) or Skilled Immigration Act
Both routes lead to employment in Germany – but they suit different starting situations.
| Criterion | Westbalkanregelung | Skilled Immigration Act |
|---|---|---|
| Target group | Nationals of the six Western Balkan states | Skilled workers worldwide |
| Qualification | No recognised vocational training required | A recognised qualification is generally required |
| Recognition procedure | Not required | Often required, sometimes with adaptation measures |
| Employer requirement | Concrete job offer, approval of the Federal Employment Agency | Job offer matching the qualification |
| Typical fields of use | Construction and skilled trades, automotive, logistics, hospitality | Qualified occupations with recognised training |
| Limitation | Subject to quotas, appointment scheduling in the country of origin | No quota system |
What we recruit for
Step2Job supports companies in DACH as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands with selection, procedures and arrival – with a focus on the following areas:
Construction & skilled trades
Skilled workers, labourers and assembly teams for construction sites and workshops.
Automotive
Production, assembly, maintenance and workshop staff.
Logistics & production
Warehousing, order picking, drivers and production lines.
Hospitality & catering
Kitchen, service and housekeeping staff – seasonal planning also possible.
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit – approval of employment
- Federal Foreign Office – employment visa
- Make it in Germany – Western Balkans Regulation
This text provides practical orientation for employers and does not replace legal or official advice. The information provided by the competent authorities is authoritative.
Sectors
IT & Software
View all sectors Developers and IT specialists from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo – for permanent roles in the DACH region or as your own nearshore team.
EngineeringMechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering and process engineering – academically trained professionals for companies in Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Metal & ElectricalWelding, machining, assembly, maintenance and electrical installation – skilled industrial and technical staff for production and operations.
Construction & TradesStructural work, interior fit-out, HVAC/plumbing and electrical installation – experienced tradespeople for companies in Germany, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Enquiry
Discuss your staffing needs under the Westbalkanregelung
Briefly describe the role, location and desired start date – we will get back to you with an assessment of the process.