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5 programs for Germany. Explore the options and get an 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.
For the EU Blue Card and the academic skilled-worker permit, your degree must be recognised or assessed as comparable. The Opportunity Card's points route does not require German recognition.
It's a points-based residence permit, in force since 1 June 2024, that lets qualified non-EU jobseekers move to Germany to look for work without a job offer in hand.
Yes. Spouses and minor children can join you, and spouses of skilled workers and Blue Card holders are exempt from the usual pre-entry German requirement and may work without restriction.
Yes. Since 27 June 2024 dual citizenship is permitted for all nationalities, and the standard naturalisation period is now five years.
EU Blue Card holders can apply for a settlement permit in as little as 21 months with B1 German; skilled workers typically after three years; the standard route is five years.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a great option for workers whose jobs are exempt from a labour market test, including intra-company transfers and treaty-based professionals.
The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) allows young adults from eligible countries to holiday and work in Australia, with requirements including a passport from an eligible country, being aged 18-30 (or 35 for some nationalities), and having sufficient funds.
Take the assessment or ask Acey, our immigration assistant.
Work abroad — Germany
