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Seasonal Work Visa § 18g: Temporary Residence for Seasonal Jobs in Germany
The seasonal work visa under § 18g of the Residence Act is a temporary residence permit for foreign workers in Germany. It is usually granted for up to 90 days within 180 days, and in some cases can last up to 6 months.
Permitted Sectors
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Agriculture and horticulture: harvesting fruits and vegetables, field work, farm or greenhouse tasks, packaging and sorting.
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Viticulture: grape harvesting, vineyard care, support in wineries.
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Forestry: tree planting, mushroom picking, forest cleaning and maintenance.
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Food processing: production lines, packaging, industrial hygiene.
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Fairs and festivals (Schaustellergewerbe): setting up and dismantling rides and stalls, food and beverage service, temporary logistics.
Requirements
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Pre-arranged work contract with a German seasonal employer,
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Application from home country (no conversion from other residence permits inside Germany),
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Approval from the Federal Employment Agency,
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Proof of temporary accommodation,
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Valid health insurance.
Restrictions
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Cannot be converted into permanent residence,
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No family reunification,
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Work limited to the sector specified in the contract,
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Does not count towards naturalization.
Duration
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Normally up to 90 days within 180 days,
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Up to 6 months in exceptional cases, especially in agriculture.
Beneficiaries
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Workers from the Balkans and Eastern Europe,
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Citizens of visa-free countries,
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Seasonal workers with prior experience with the same employer.
Conclusion: The seasonal work visa § 18g provides a legal and straightforward way to work temporarily in Germany, but only within specific sectors and under strict conditions. It is not suitable for long-term settlement, but offers a good opportunity for seasonal income or limited European experience.
