Germany Immigration and Visas

The Qualified Professionals Work Visa allows skilled non-EU nationals with recognised vocational or academic qualifications to live and work in Germany. It is aimed at individuals who have completed at least two years of vocational training or hold a degree equivalent to German standards. For regulated professions, such as health care or teaching, additional licensing requirements must be met before employment can begin.

Applicants must show that they have a job offer in Germany aligned with their qualifications. While there is generally no fixed minimum salary requirement, applicants over 45 years old must either earn at least €49,830 annually (2024 figure) or provide proof of adequate pension provision. In most cases, the Federal Employment Agency must also approve the position to ensure working conditions are comparable to those of domestic employees.

The visa is typically issued for up to four years, or the length of the employment contract if shorter, and can be renewed. After three years of residence and continued employment, holders may qualify for a settlement permit, with the possibility of an earlier application if strong integration and language skills can be demonstrated. This visa is an important part of Germany’s strategy to attract skilled labour in fields where shortages exist.

The IT Specialists Work Visa provides a pathway for experienced non-EU professionals to work in Germany’s rapidly growing digital and technology sectors. Unlike other residence permits, this visa does not require a university degree if applicants can demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience in information technology within the past seven years. It is designed to address the significant shortage of skilled IT professionals in Germany.

Applicants must have a concrete job offer in Germany with an annual gross salary of at least €40,770 (2024 figure). They must also prove sufficient German language skills at level B1, unless the working language of the company is English and this requirement has been waived by the authorities. The Federal Employment Agency typically reviews applications to confirm that the job offer matches the applicant’s skills and that employment conditions are comparable to local standards.

The IT Specialists Work Visa is usually issued for the length of the employment contract, up to a maximum of four years, and can be renewed. After a certain period of residence and continued employment, holders may apply for a settlement permit. The visa provides an accessible option for skilled IT workers without formal academic qualifications but with proven expertise in fields such as software development, data science, IT security, and application support.

The Germany Opportunity Card is the new job-seeker residence permit introduced under the reformed Skilled Immigration Act. It replaces the older Job Seeker Visa and allows qualified third-country nationals to enter Germany for up to 12 months to look for work. During this time, holders may work part-time for up to 20 hours per week and undertake short trial employment of up to two weeks per employer.

Eligibility is based on two main pathways. The first applies to applicants whose academic or vocational qualifications are fully recognised in Germany or who obtained their qualification in Germany. The second pathway is a points-based system for those whose qualifications are not yet recognised. To qualify, applicants must meet base conditions (completed training, language skills, and proof of financial means) and achieve at least six points. Points are awarded for factors such as partial recognition, shortage occupations, professional experience, higher language proficiency, age, prior lawful stays in Germany, and a partner who also qualifies.

Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay, usually via a blocked account with at least €1,091 per month or a declaration of commitment from a sponsor in Germany. The Opportunity Card is intended as a bridge to long-term residence: once suitable employment is found, it can be converted into a work-based residence permit such as the EU Blue Card or the Qualified Professionals Visa.

The German Own Business/Freelancer Visa allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Germany through self-employment. It covers two categories: setting up a business as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe) or working as a freelancer (Freiberufler) in liberal professions such as IT consulting, design, journalism, law, or medicine. The visa is designed to ensure that foreign business activities contribute positively to the German economy and that freelance services are financially sustainable.

For those setting up a business, applicants must submit a detailed business plan, proof of secured financing (own funds or loan commitments), and evidence of regional demand or economic interest in their product or service. Freelancers must show contracts or letters of intent from German clients, a clear description of their services, and, where applicable, licences to practise in regulated professions. Applicants over 45 years old must also provide proof of adequate pension provision.

The initial residence permit is usually granted for up to three years. If the business or freelance activity is successful and the applicant can cover their own living costs, the permit may be extended. After five years of lawful residence, holders may qualify for a settlement permit. The visa provides a pathway for entrepreneurs and independent professionals to establish themselves in Germany’s diverse economy while maintaining flexibility in how they work.

The German Study Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who wish to pursue higher education or vocational training in Germany. It enables students to enrol at recognised universities, colleges, or vocational institutions and remain in the country for the duration of their studies. In addition, the visa allows limited employment rights, with students permitted to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year alongside their studies.

To qualify, applicants must present proof of admission to a recognised institution, evidence of language proficiency in either German or English depending on the programme, and proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves. This is usually shown through a blocked account containing at least €12,000 per year (equivalent to €1000 per month). Health insurance coverage, a valid passport, and accommodation details are also required.

The visa is typically issued as a national visa (Type D) valid for three months, after which students must apply for a residence permit at the local foreigners’ authority. The residence permit is granted for the duration of the study programme and can be extended if necessary. Upon graduation, students may apply for an extension of up to 18 months to seek qualified employment in Germany, making the Study Visa a potential pathway to longer-term residence.

The German Family and Partner Visa, also known as the Family Reunification Visa, allows spouses, registered partners, and minor children of German citizens, EU nationals, or foreign residents with valid permits to join their family members in Germany. Once granted, this visa provides the right to live in Germany with the sponsor and typically includes unrestricted work rights.

To qualify, applicants must provide proof of the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, or birth certificate for children. In cases where the marriage has not yet taken place, evidence of a booked appointment at a German registry office within three months of arrival is required. Spouses are generally expected to demonstrate A1 level German language skills, although exemptions apply for certain categories, such as highly qualified professionals or EU Blue Card holders.

The visa is issued initially as a national visa and must be converted into a residence permit upon arrival in Germany. The residence permit is normally valid for the same duration as the sponsor’s permit or can be issued on a longer-term basis if the sponsor is a German or EU national. After a qualifying period of lawful residence, family members may also apply for permanent settlement, provided they continue to meet integration and financial requirements.