ENDE
Work

Build your career in Germany.

Skilled worker visa, EU Blue Card, Opportunity Card and recognition. Looking for paid training instead? Ausbildung has its own page.

Skilled workerBlue CardChancenkarteRecognitionCalculatorsAusbildung
Technician at a machineSkilled immigration
Professional with a laptop§ 18a/b
National visa (D)

Skilled worker visa

For people with a recognised degree or vocational qualification and a job offer.

National visa (D)Up to 4 years, then settlement possible
  • 01Concrete job offer in Germany
  • 02Recognised degree or vocational qualification
  • 03Professional licence for regulated jobs (e.g. healthcare)
  • 04Approval of the Federal Employment Agency

An accelerated skilled worker procedure can shorten the waiting time.

Start with this visa
IT professional at work§ 18g
National visa (D)

EU Blue Card

For university graduates with a well-paid job offer.

National visa (D)Up to 4 years, settlement after 21 to 27 months
  • 01Recognised university degree
  • 02Job offer with at least €50,700 gross per year (2026)
  • 03€45,934.20 for shortage occupations and new graduates

Family members can join easily, spouses need no German test.

Checklist: EU Blue Card0 / 5
Start with this visa
Letter tiles spelling German words§ 20a
National visa (D)

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Look for a job in Germany for up to one year, points-based.

National visa (D)Up to 12 months
  • 01Vocational training of at least 2 years or a university degree
  • 02German A1 or English B2
  • 03At least 6 points (or full recognition)
  • 04€1,091 per month for living costs (2026)

Part-time work up to 20 hours per week and trial work are allowed.

Start with this visa
Signing documents§ 16d
National visa (D)

Recognition visa

Come to Germany to complete the steps for full recognition of your qualification.

National visa (D)Up to 24 months, extendable
  • 01Recognition notice that names missing parts (Defizitbescheid)
  • 02Place in an adaptation course or practical phase
  • 03German, usually A2 or higher

Doctors, nurses and pharmacists: see our page for medical careers.

Doctors, nurses, pharmacistsDoctors & healthcare
Start with this visa
Calculators

Check your chances.

A first orientation, not a legal assessment. We check your full case.

Blue Card salary check

2026 thresholds: €50,700 standard, €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and new graduates.

–Enter a salary

Opportunity Card points

You need 6 points, plus German A1 or English B2 and a recognised qualification.

2 / 6
No degree needed

Start with paid training.

No recognised qualification yet? Ausbildung gives you one, with a monthly allowance from day one.

Explore Ausbildung

Ready to embark?

Tell us your goal. We reply within two working days with your route and a fixed written offer.

Start your enquiry