German authorities have recently increased immigration controls both at entry and during visa processing. At Munich Airport, travelers have been asked to present not only their visa but also their employment contract. Meanwhile, German consulates—particularly in the United Kingdom—are closely reviewing applicants’ previous trips to Germany to assess whether past visits may have involved work that required authorization.
These measures reflect stricter enforcement of immigration compliance and closer coordination between border and consular authorities. Travelers should be aware that scrutiny at the border has increased and that even with an approved work permit or visa, entry is not automatically guaranteed. Employers should prepare their employees to answer questions or provide supporting documentation upon arrival.
At several points of entry, including Munich Airport, immigration officers have intensified their verification of travelers holding German work visas. In some cases, officers requested employment contracts or assignment letters in addition to passports and visas, to confirm that the declared purpose of entry aligns with the visa category issued.
Reports indicate that travelers have occasionally faced extended questioning, and in rare cases, delays or secondary inspections where documentation could not immediately substantiate the purpose of entry.
In parallel, German consulates abroad – especially in the UK – have begun scrutinizing applicants’ prior visits to Germany before issuing work visas. Their focus is to determine whether earlier travel may have included work-related activities that required a permit, such as hands-on project work, extended on-site meetings, or training. Applicants have been asked to provide additional documentation or explanations to demonstrate that previous stays complied with immigration rules.
These developments indicate a heightened focus by both consular and border authorities on ensuring that immigration and employment activities fully comply with legal requirements. The practice forms part of a wider tightening of checks across the immigration process – from pre-application review to entry verification – reflecting Germany’s emphasis on accuracy, transparency, and lawful employment from the outset of an assignment.
The growing scrutiny highlights the importance of consistent documentation and proactive compliance management. Employers should review the travel history of foreign employees and ensure that past business visits to Germany were correctly categorized. They should also brief travelers that questioning at the border is becoming more detailed and that officers may request employment contracts or assignment letters. Preparing employees in advance helps prevent confusion or inconsistent answers that could raise concerns or, in extreme cases, lead to refused entry.
Transparency and accuracy in visa filings, employment documentation, and interview responses are essential to avoid delays or concerns during review.
This development coincides with the implementation of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025. The EES will electronically record the entry and exit of third-country nationals, including biometric data, allowing authorities to track travel movements more precisely. This means that any inconsistencies between declared visa purposes and recorded travel may become more visible to border and consular officers. As a result, employers and travelers should expect greater data-based verification of past and present immigration activities.
Although these checks add complexity, they also create a clearer compliance framework. For companies that maintain accurate processes and records, the environment becomes more predictable and reinforces a reputation for reliability with authorities.
Our Vialto immigration team assists companies and employees in navigating these enhanced controls. We review travel histories and documentation to identify potential risk areas before visa submission, prepare explanatory statements where appropriate, and ensure that all filings are consistent with prior travel activities. We also provide pre-departure briefings to help employees respond confidently to consular and border inquiries.
In addition, we continuously monitor developments at German consulates and airports to detect emerging patterns in enforcement. By maintaining compliance and preparing proactively, companies can minimize risks, safeguard entry processes, and ensure that employee mobility to Germany remains seamless and compliant.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Mostafa Massoud
Partner
Inga Mayer
Senior Manager
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