Visa Guide
Trial Employment in Germany
Probearbeit · §15 Beschäftigungsverordnung (BeschV)
What this visa is
Trial employment (Probearbeit) is not a standalone visa — it is a right available to holders of certain German residence permits that allows you to work with a potential employer for up to two weeks on an unpaid or paid trial basis, before either party commits to a full employment contract.
It is one of Germany's most practical and underused tools for international job seekers — giving both you and the employer the chance to assess fit before signing a contract.
Who it is for
Who can use trial employment:
- ✓Holders of the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) — the most common route; unlimited trial periods are permitted during the 12-month search period
- ✓Holders of the Apprenticeship Seeker Visa (§17) — up to two weeks of trial work to assess potential training positions
- ✓Holders of certain other job seeker and recognition permits — check the conditions of your specific permit
Key facts
- →Trial employment lasts a maximum of two weeks per employer
- →There is no limit on the number of trial periods — you can trial multiple employers during your stay
- →Trial employment can be paid or unpaid depending on the arrangement with the employer
- →If the trial leads to a full employment offer, you apply to convert your current permit to the appropriate work visa without leaving Germany
- →A particularly powerful tool for candidates in trades, healthcare and technical professions where hands-on demonstration of skills matters
How MiGreat can help
Trial employment is most effective when you arrive in Germany prepared — with a strong CV, targeted employer list, and a clear pitch. We help you get there.
Find out which visa gives you trial employment rights