Germany is Europe’s largest economy, with a huge demand for labor in many sectors. Not only is it open to long-term visas like 18a, 18b, or dual vocational training, but Germany also implements 8-month short-term work programs to address seasonal labor shortages. This is a suitable option for many Vietnamese people who want to work in Germany quickly, at a reasonable cost, with few language requirements, while still accumulating a significant income in less than a year.
The 8-month work program is often applied in specific professions with high seasonal or short-term labor demand, such as agriculture (cultivation, harvesting), food processing, hotel-restaurant services, and production lines. Within 8 months, workers can earn a salary of 1,500–2,000 euros/month, which is enough to cover living costs and save a considerable amount to bring back home.
1. What Is 8-Month Short-Term Work in Germany?
An 8-month short-term work visa is a special type of visa that allows foreigners to work in Germany for a limited period, a maximum of 8 months per year. This is not a long-term residency visa but a seasonal labor export program, typically implemented through bilateral agreements between Germany and partner countries, including Vietnam.
The program’s goal is to supplement seasonal labor shortages, especially in professions that locals do not want to do or where there is a lack of manpower, while providing job opportunities and income for workers from other countries.
Key highlights of the 8-month visa include:
- Short duration: Suitable for those who want to go quickly and experience the German environment.
- Reasonable cost: Only about 200 million VND, much lower than studying abroad or long-term visas.
- Low language requirement: Most programs only require a basic German level (A1) or are not mandatory.
- Good income: 1,500–2,000 euros/month, allowing you to save hundreds of millions of VND after 8 months.
- The 8-month visa can be renewed up to 3 times, for a total of (~24 months of work in Germany).
2. German Policy Context and Opportunities for Vietnamese Workers
Germany is currently facing an aging population and a severe labor shortage. Many general labor professions like agriculture, food processing, services, and hospitality lack a sufficient workforce. To address this, the German government has expanded its policy to allow the recruitment of short-term foreign workers. Vietnam is considered a source of young, diligent, and skilled labor. The governments of both countries have bilateral cooperation agreements in vocational training and labor export, opening up opportunities for Vietnamese people to work legally and safely in Germany with a stable income, while also strengthening the Vietnam-Germany labor cooperation relationship.
3. Conditions to Participate in the 8-Month Program
Compared to long-term visa types (18a, 18b), the conditions for the 8-month program are much easier to meet.
- Age: 20–45 years old (some programs are more flexible).
- Health: Must be fit for general labor, with an international health certificate.
- Education: High school graduate or higher.
- Language: Most programs only require basic German (A1) or are not mandatory. However, having a basic level of German/English will facilitate communication and work.
- Work Experience: Not mandatory, but having experience in agriculture, service, hospitality, or manufacturing is an advantage.
- Legal Documents: A passport valid for at least 12 months, no criminal record, and a clean background.
This is why the 8-month program attracts a lot of interest from Vietnamese workers, especially those who want to go quickly with fewer educational or language requirements.
4. 8-Month Visa Application Roadmap
The average time to prepare for the 8-month work visa is 6–8 months.
- Month 1: Research the program, choose a reputable sending company, and register. Get a health check to ensure you meet the requirements.
- Month 2: Study basic German (A1) or conversational English. Prepare personal documents: resume, birth certificate, passport, diplomas, and criminal record check.
- Month 3: Submit the application to the German employer, and wait for selection.
- Month 4: Online interview (if any), and sign the official employment contract.
- Month 5: Translate and notarize all documents, and submit the visa application to the German Embassy/Consulate.
- Months 6–7: Give biometrics and wait for the application to be processed for 4–6 weeks.
- Month 8: Receive the visa, book a flight, enter Germany, and start work.
5. Cost to Participate in the 8-Month Program (Estimated ~200 Million VND)
The cost of going to Germany on an 8-month visa is much lower than for long-term residency visas. The average total cost ranges from 180–220 million VND, including:
- Basic German Language Course (A1): 20–30 million VND.
- Translation, Notarization, and Documents: 5–10 million VND.
- Visa Fee and Service Fee: Around 5 million VND.
- Round-trip flight Vietnam – Germany: 20–25 million VND.
- Consulting/Sending Service Fee: 120–150 million VND.
- Initial Living Expenses in Germany (1–2 months): 20–30 million VND.
- Total cost: Approximately 200 million VND.
6. Income and Benefits
Workers on the 8-month visa enjoy salaries and benefits according to the contract signed with the employer:
- Salary: 1,500–2,000 euros/month (depending on the profession, location, and working hours).
- Working Hours: 40 hours/week, with the possibility of overtime, which is paid according to regulations.
- Insurance: Provided with health and accident insurance.
- Housing: Many companies offer low-cost accommodation or dormitories.
- Meals: May be partially subsidized, depending on the industry.
After 8 months, a worker can save 300–400 million VND. This is a very significant amount compared to the same period of work in Vietnam.
7. Life in Germany Under the 8-Month Program
Short-term workers typically work on farms, in factories, or in hotels and restaurants. Although the work can be tough and requires high discipline, the salary is transparent, paid on time, and the work environment is safe. Living is usually in dorms or shared housing arranged by the company. Workers often go in groups, working and living together, which helps them support each other. Even though the time is short, it is an opportunity to experience a European environment, get to know German culture, and improve language skills.
8. Can I Get Permanent Residency After the 8-Month Program?
According to regulations, the 8-month visa is for short-term labor. After the contract and visa expire, workers must return to their home country. However, after completing the program, you can:
- Return to Germany for the 8-month program in a subsequent year.
- Use your experience and documents to apply for longer-term visas like dual vocational training or a visa under sections 18a or 18b. This is the path many people choose to have a chance at long-term residency.
9. Common Mistakes and Tips for Success
Common Mistakes:
- Choosing an unreputable sending company, leading to extra costs and delays.
- Not learning basic German, causing difficulties in work and daily life.
- Not preparing enough finances for the first 1–2 months in Germany.
- Missing documents or having incorrect translations, leading to repeated requests for supplements.
Tips for Success:
- Learn at least A1 German for basic communication.
- Choose a consulting/sending center with a valid license and a transparent contract.
- Prepare all notarized documents from the beginning.
- Thoroughly research the company and the job before signing a contract.
10. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need German to go on the 8-month program? It’s not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended to learn A1 for convenience.
- How much does the 8-month program cost? Around 200 million VND, including language training, documents, service fees, and flight tickets.
- How much is the income after 8 months? 1,500–2,000 euros/month. After 8 months, you can save 300–400 million VND.
- Can I stay in Germany after 8 months? No, this is a short-term visa. However, you can return in a subsequent year or switch to another long-term visa type.
- Which professions are in highest demand? Agriculture, food processing, hospitality, and seasonal services.
Conclusion The 8-month short-term work program in Germany is an ideal choice for Vietnamese people who want to earn a high income in a short period, with few language or education requirements, and a cost of only about 200 million VND. This is both an opportunity to experience a European work environment and a stepping stone toward long-term visas and permanent residency in Germany in the future.
If you want to get to Germany quickly with a reasonable cost and a clear job, the 8-month work program is the right choice for you.