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5 programs for Germany. Explore the options and get a free expert assessment.
Germany's premium route for highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree and a qualifying job offer that meets a salary threshold (§18g Residence Act). It offers the fastest path to a settlement permit — as early as 21 months with B1 German.
Permit (§19/19b Residence Act, EU Directive 2014/66/EU) for managers, specialists and trainees transferred within a company from a non-EU entity to a German branch, valid up to three years (one year for trainees), with EU mobility.
A points-based job-search residence permit (§20a Residence Act) launched on 1 June 2024, letting qualified non-EU nationals come to Germany to look for work without a prior job offer. It replaced the former Job Seeker Visa for most applicants.
Residence permit (§18d Residence Act) for non-EU researchers with a hosting agreement from a BAMF-approved German research institution. Where conditions are met, the permit is a legal entitlement, and an 18-month post-research job-search period follows.
The core employment route under Germany's Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz), for non-EU professionals with a recognised qualification and a concrete job offer. It comes in two tracks: academic (degree holders, §18b) and vocational (recognised vocational training, §18a).
The EU Blue Card is Germany's premium route for highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree and a qualifying job offer that meets a salary threshold. It offers the fastest path to a settlement permit — as early as 21 months with B1 German.
It's a residence permit for non-EU researchers with a hosting agreement from a BAMF-approved German research institution. Where conditions are met, the permit is a legal entitlement, and an 18-month post-research job-search period follows.
The ICT Card is for managers, specialists and trainees transferred within a company from a non-EU entity to a German branch, valid up to three years (one year for trainees), with EU mobility.
The Skilled Worker Visa is the core employment route under Germany's Skilled Immigration Act, for non-EU professionals with a recognised qualification and a concrete job offer. It comes in an academic track (degree holders) and a vocational track (recognised vocational training).
The Opportunity Card is a points-based job-search residence permit launched on 1 June 2024, letting qualified non-EU nationals come to Germany to look for work without a prior job offer. It replaced the former Job Seeker Visa for most applicants.
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