For transport and logistics companies
Western Balkans regulation: truck drivers from the Western Balkans
Drivers from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina can work in Germany under the Western Balkans regulation. We find suitable CE drivers and support the administrative steps – up to the first working day.
Explained simply
What is the Western Balkans regulation?
The Western Balkans regulation (Section 26(2) of the German Employment Ordinance) allows citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia to work in Germany – even without a recognised vocational qualification.
A concrete job offer is required. The Federal Employment Agency must approve it and checks, among other things, the working conditions. Temporary agency work is excluded – the driver is employed directly by you.
The number of approvals per year is limited (currently up to 50,000). A reduction has been announced. We keep you informed about the current situation.
Driving licence
Conversion without a test
Licences from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro – including classes C and CE – can be converted in Germany without a theory or practical test (Annex 11 of the German Driving Licence Regulation).
For licences from Bosnia and Herzegovina, this does not apply to classes C and CE.
The driver also needs the professional driver qualification (Code 95 or driver qualification card). We clarify the steps needed in each case before hiring.
Process
How hiring under the Western Balkans regulation works
Needs & selection
You tell us routes, vehicles and numbers. We propose pre-screened drivers, you hold the interviews.
Employment contract
You issue the job offer on terms customary in Germany.
Approval by the BA
The Federal Employment Agency checks and approves – we help with forms and documents.
Visa
The driver applies for the visa at the German mission in his country.
Arrival & start
Registration, licence conversion and qualification – we provide organisational support.
Timeframe: the duration depends on the quota, appointments at the German mission and the individual case – often several months. It is faster with drivers who already live in the EU. Drivers with an EU licence and Code 95
Fair terms: you only pay when it works
- One-off placement fee per employee
- No deposit
- Invoice only after 30 working days
- If the employee leaves before then, you pay nothing
- Direct employment, no temporary agency work
The fee depends on the position and the number of employees – you receive an individual offer in advance.
We assist with administrative steps; we do not provide legal advice. The competent authorities make the binding decision.
Frequently asked questions about the Western Balkans regulation
Which countries does the Western Balkans regulation cover?
Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Does the driver need a recognised qualification?
No. The Western Balkans regulation does not require a recognised vocational qualification. To drive, however, he needs a C/CE licence and the professional driver qualification.
Can the driver be employed through a temporary agency?
No. Temporary agency work is excluded. The driver is employed directly by you.
How long does it take?
It depends on the quota, visa appointments and the individual case – often several months. We check each case individually; the decision is made by the authorities.
Request drivers from the Western Balkans
Briefly describe what you need – routes, vehicle type, location. We will get back to you within 1 working day.
Prefer email?
info@sionconsulting.de