Are you dreaming of building a career in Germany but afraid of falling into the trap of fraudulent agencies? You are not alone. Millions of taka are lost every year to middlemen promising visas that never arrive.
But here is the truth: The German government wants you to come. They have their own official agency dedicated to finding skilled workers from abroad—completely free of charge. This agency is called ZAV.
This guide reveals how you can bypass all middlemen/dalals and secure a German Work Visa directly through the German government’s official channels.
ZAV (Zentrale Auslands- und Fachvermittlung) কী?
ZAV হলো জার্মানির ‘ফেডারেল এমপ্লয়মেন্ট এজেন্সি’ (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)-এর একটি বিশেষ শাখা। সহজ কথায়, এটি জার্মানির সরকারি জব প্লেসমেন্ট সার্ভিস। এদের মূল কাজ হলো বিশ্বের বিভিন্ন দেশ থেকে দক্ষ কর্মী (Skilled Workers) খুঁজে এনে জার্মান কোম্পানিগুলোর সাথে সংযোগ ঘটিয়ে দেওয়া।
সবচেয়ে বড় সুবিধা: ZAV-এর মাধ্যমে চাকরি খোঁজার জন্য আপনাকে এক টাকাও ফি দিতে হবে না। এটি সম্পূর্ণ সরকারি এবং ফ্রি সার্ভিস।
কেন ZAV-এর মাধ্যমে আবেদন করবেন?
১. ১০০% বিশ্বস্ত ও সরকারি: প্রতারণার কোনো সুযোগ নেই।
২. বিনামূল্যে সেবা: কোনো এজেন্সিকে সার্ভিস চার্জ দিতে হয় না।
৩. সরাসরি নিয়োগ: মাঝখানের কোনো মাধ্যম ছাড়াই সরাসরি জার্মান কোম্পানির সাথে ইন্টারভিউয়ের সুযোগ।
৪. ভিসা প্রসেসিং সহজ: সরকারি মাধ্যমের অফার লেটার থাকায় জার্মান অ্যাম্বাসিতে ভিসা পাওয়া অনেক সহজ হয়ে যায়।
Why Apply Through ZAV Instead of an Agency?
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100% Legitimate: It is a federal government entity. There is zero risk of fraud.
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Absolutely Free: You save the 15-20 Lakh BDT that local agents typically demand.
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Direct Access to Employers: ZAV connects you directly with German companies.
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Easier Visa Approval: A job offer secured through ZAV carries significant weight at the German Embassy, making the visa interview process much smoother.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply through ZAV, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
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Education: A recognized Bachelor’s degree or a completed Vocational Training course (minimum 2-3 years).
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Experience: At least 2-3 years of professional experience in your field.
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Language Skills: Proficiency in English is required. However, knowing German (Level B1/B2) increases your chances of getting hired by 80%.
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In-Demand Sectors: IT Specialists, Engineers, Nurses, Hospitality professionals, and Skilled Tradespeople (plumbers, electricians) are in high demand.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this roadmap to apply from Bangladesh (or anywhere in the world):
Step 1: Create a Europass CV
Your standard CV format won’t work in Germany. You must create a CV and Cover Letter in the Europass Format. Highlight your technical skills, certifications, and work experience clearly.
Step 2: Contact ZAV
আপনার সিভি এবং কভার লেটারটি ZAV-এর অফিশিয়াল ইমেইল ঠিকানায় পাঠাতে হবে।
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অফিশিয়াল ইমেইল:
zav@arbeitsagentur.deঅথবাmake-it-in-germany@arbeitsagentur.de -
সাবজেক্ট লাইন: Application for employment as [আপনার পদের নাম] – [আপনার নাম]
ইমেইলে বডিতে লিখবেন যে আপনি একজন দক্ষ কর্মী এবং জার্মানিতে কাজ করতে আগ্রহী।
Step 3: Profile Verification & Matching
If your profile matches the current demands of the German labor market, ZAV will include you in their applicant pool. When a German employer requests a candidate with your skills, ZAV will forward your profile.
Step 4: The Interview
If the employer is interested, ZAV will arrange an online interview (via Zoom/Teams/Skype) between you and the company.
Step 5: Job Offer & Contract
Upon passing the interview, the company will send you an official employment contract. ZAV often assists in ensuring the contract meets legal standards.
Step 6: Visa Application
With the contract in hand, book an appointment at the German Embassy in Dhaka for a “Skilled Worker Visa.”
The Real Cost Breakdown (vs. Agents)
Many people believe migrating to Europe costs millions. Here is the reality of the expenses involved in the official process:
| Expense Item | Approximate Cost (BDT) | Note |
| ZAV Service Fee | 0 BDT | Completely Free (Govt. Service) |
| Visa Application Fee | ≈ 10,000 BDT (€75) | Paid to the Embassy |
| Document Attestation | 5,000 – 10,000 BDT | Notary/Ministry verification |
| Health Insurance | 5,000 – 10,000 BDT | Travel insurance for entry |
| Air Ticket | 60,000 – 80,000 BDT | Only after getting the visa |
| Total Estimated Cost | ≈ 1 – 1.2 Lakh BDT | Self-Process |
| Agent Cost | 15 – 20 Lakh BDT | Risk of Fraud |
Verdict: By doing it yourself, you save roughly 90% of the cost.
Crucial Tips for Success
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Learn German: This cannot be stressed enough. Even an A2 certificate from the Goethe Institut can set you apart from thousands of other applicants.
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Be Patient: Government processes take time. It might take a few weeks to get a reply from ZAV. Do not spam them.
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Check Recognition: Ensure your university degree is recognized in Germany (check via the “Anabin” database).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply without a degree?
A: Yes, if you have recognized vocational training (diploma) and significant experience, you can apply as a skilled tradesperson.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: There is no strict legal age limit, but candidates between 20-45 are generally preferred by employers.
Q: Do I need a blocked account (money in the bank)?
A: Usually, if you have a valid job contract with a salary, you do not need a blocked account. The salary proves you can support yourself.
Warning: ZAV will NEVER ask you for money to find a job. If anyone claims to be from ZAV and asks for a “processing fee,” they are a scammer.
Stop waiting for a miracle from a middleman. Take control of your career today. Update your CV and email ZAV!