Visa & residence paths to Germany
Pick the route that fits your situation. Each page lists requirements, steps, timelines and official sources.
Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
A 12-month residence permit to come to Germany and look for a job — without a job offer. You qualify either as a fully recognised skilled wo…
§ 18g AufenthGEU Blue Card
The premium work permit for academics with a job offer above a salary threshold. Fastest route to permanent residence (21 months with German…
§ 18b AufenthGResidence permit for skilled workers with academic training
The general work permit for university graduates with a recognised degree and a qualified job offer — no fixed salary threshold if you are u…
§ 18a AufenthGResidence permit for skilled workers with vocational training
Work permit for people with a recognised vocational qualification (at least 2 years of training) — nurses, electricians, mechatronics techni…
§ 19c Abs. 2 AufenthG i. V. m. § 6 BeschVWork permit for IT specialists and experienced professionals (no degree required)
Germany hires self-taught developers: with 2+ years of relevant experience (within the last 5), a job offer paying at least €45,630 (2026), …
§ 21 Abs. 5 AufenthGResidence permit for freelancers (Freiberufler)
For liberal professions — developers, designers, writers, artists, teachers, consultants. Famous as the 'Berlin freelance visa'. You must sh…
§ 16b, § 20 Abs. 3 AufenthGStudent visa & the study-to-work pipeline
Study in Germany (often tuition-free), work 140 full days per year alongside, then use the 18-month post-graduation permit to find a job — a…
§ 16a AufenthGVisa for vocational training (Ausbildung)
Come to Germany for paid dual vocational training (Ausbildung) — you earn a salary from day one (typically €900–1,400/month), need German at…
§ 16d Abs. 3 AufenthGRecognition partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)
Start working in Germany BEFORE your foreign qualification is fully recognised: you and your employer commit to completing the recognition p…
§§ 27–36a AufenthGFamily reunification visa
Spouses and minor children of residence-permit holders can join them in Germany. Requirements depend on YOUR permit: Blue Card families skip…
§ 26 Abs. 2 BeschVWestern Balkans Regulation
Nationals of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia can take ANY job in Germany — no qualification or G…
§ 18d AufenthGResidence permit for researchers
For PhD candidates and scientists with a hosting agreement from a recognised German research institution. Minimal bureaucracy, EU mobility f…