Advantageous ways have been paved for IT specialists outside the European Union/EFTA States (so-called “third countries”) to obtain a work visa in Germany. The type of visa you receive depends on your qualifications and your job offer in Germany. The table down below gives you a first overview of the different options.

• EU Blue Card: If you have an academic degree in IT as well as a specific job offer in Germany, you may receive an EU Blue Card. It is important to know that you must earn a minimum salary in your job for that visa type. Nonetheless, the EU Blue Card is an exceptionally popular residence title with many advantages.
• Work visa for qualified professionals: A residence permit for qualified employment (according to Section 18a and 18b (1) on the Residence Act - AufenthG) might be the right option for you, if you   acquired your IT skills during an apprenticeship, for example. The same conditions apply, if you have a university degree in IT, yet the job position you have found does not meet the requirements for the EU Blue Card.
• Working as an IT specialist/residence title for other types of work: Even if you have neither any formal qualifications nor a university degree, you can still obtain a visa and work as an IT specialist in Germany. Therefore, certain prerequisites must be met.