Ukrainians should remember that visa-free travel does not grant the right to work in European countries
Deutsche Welle contacted the Foreigners' Office in Frankfurt am Main to understand the intricacies of obtaining a work visa.
If the internship in Germany lasts no more than 90 days, you need to apply not for a work visa but for a Schengen visa for business visits (Geschäftsvisum). The application should be submitted before the trip at a German diplomatic mission. Since August 1, 2017, a new rule has been in effect, allowing students and graduates from non-European universities to complete internships in EU countries lasting up to six months. In this case, the visa is also arranged in advance in the student's home country.
Furthermore, a work visa is not required if you are doing an internship under a European Commission scholarship, working as a foreign student during holidays, or completing an internship as part of youth exchange programs lasting no more than three months. A full list of such programs can be found on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.
A work permit in Germany is issued for a specific workplace. This means that the applicant first submits documents, including an employment contract, to the embassy or consulate in their home country. Then the diplomatic mission sends a request to Germany, where the work permit is processed.
Usually, the decision is made by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), sometimes this document is issued by the Foreigners' Office (Ausländeramt). In case of a positive response, the applicant receives a national visa with permission to work in Germany. With such a visa, one must contact the Foreigners' Office in Germany to obtain a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis).
If you have a so-called "Pole's Card," which grants the right to work in Poland, or a residence permit in another EU country, you will still need a separate visa to work in Germany. The same applies if you have a permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) in France or Italy but want to work in Germany – you will still have to apply for a work visa for Germany.
To do this, you need to leave Europe and apply for a visa at a German consulate or embassy. Different conditions apply to holders of a long-term residence permit in EU countries (Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU) – they can come directly to Germany and request a work visa.
Graduates of German universities can apply for a residence permit for job search (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche) immediately after graduation. This rule applies to both bachelor's and master's graduates. Such a visa allows you to look for a job for up to 18 months. The document is issued only if you previously held a student visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zum Studium) in Germany.
Since June 11, 2017, citizens of Ukraine with biometric passports can travel to Schengen Area countries without a visa. However, this does not mean they can now work in Europe without a work visa and permit. Ukrainians can come to Germany as tourists, visit friends and relatives, or make business trips for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period. Visa-free travel does not grant the right to work.