Transport & logistics · Berufskraftfahrer:in

Professional driver (truck / bus)

High demand⚖️ Regulated profession — recognition required

Logistics is short of professional drivers. You'll need your driving licence converted/recognised and the EU professional-driver qualification 'Code 95'. Non-EU licences usually need conversion, and Code 95 may require training modules or a test.

Who recognises it
Driving-licence recognition (Führerscheinstelle) + the professional qualification 'Code 95' (Berufskraftfahrerqualifikation).
German level
A2–B1 German for the job and tests.
Typical salary
≈ €2,500–3,400 gross/month.
How long it takes
Varies — licence conversion + Code 95 modules.

How recognition works

  1. 1Convert/recognise your driving licence at the local Führerscheinstelle.
  2. 2Obtain the professional-driver qualification (Code 95) via training or test.
  3. 3Secure a job offer and apply for the skilled-worker/experience visa.

Documents you'll need

  • Driving licence (with translation) + driving record
  • Any professional-driver certificates
  • Job offer / contract
  • Passport + CV
Official recognition portal

💶 Costs & translations

Recognition fees are typically €100–600. Budget extra for certified German translations of your documents and, in some countries, an apostille/legalisation. Adaptation courses or exams can add further cost.

🤝 Come first, recognise here

For regulated jobs you can use a recognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft): enter Germany with a job offer and finish the recognition after you arrive, instead of waiting abroad.

Your visa routes

Last verified 2026-06-30. Recognition rules vary by federal state and change over time — always confirm with the official portal linked above.

Once you're in Germany

After you arrive, these are the first steps to settle in — the Amtly app builds the document checklist for each.

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