Working in Germany as a non-EU citizen

The main routes

• EU Blue Card: for university graduates (and, in information technology, experienced professionals without a degree) with a job offer above a minimum salary. The minimum is lower for shortage occupations and is revised every year.
• Skilled worker visa: for people with a recognised university degree or a recognised vocational qualification and a matching job offer.
• Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): lets you come to Germany for up to a year to look for work without a job offer, if your qualification is fully recognised or you reach enough points for qualification, experience, language and age. You must show you can support yourself during the search.

What the employer does

The employer gives you a signed contract or binding offer and fills in a declaration about the job for the authorities. For many titles the Federal Employment Agency must approve the working conditions. Employers can also request a fast-track procedure that shortens the visa process.

Recognition and language

For regulated professions (nursing, medicine, teaching, many trades) your qualification must be recognised before you can work, and German is usually required. In technology and research many teams work in English, and German is not always needed for the visa, though it helps in daily life and for permanent residence.

Before you apply

• Check whether your degree is listed as comparable and whether your profession is regulated.
• Look at the current minimum salaries on the official portal: they change each January.
• Book the visa appointment early: waiting times at German missions can be long.