Visa for IT professionals

In Germany, there have been created interesting ways for IT specialists outside of the European Union / EFTA countries (so-called “third countries”) to obtain a work visa. Whether a specific type is the right option for you, depends on your qualifications and your job offer in Germany. You can get a first overview of the different options on the following table.

EU Blue Card: If you have an academic degree in the IT sector as well as a specific job offer in Germany, you can get an EU Blue Card. It is important to know that you have to earn a minimum salary in your job. Nonetheless, the EU Blue Card is a very popular type of residence permit with many advantages.

Work visa for qualified professionals: A residence permit for qualified employment (according to section 18a and 18b (1) AufenthG) could be the right option for you, if you happened to acquire your IT skills during an apprenticeship, for example. The same conditions apply, if you have a university degree in the IT sector, yet the job position you have found does not meet the requirements for the EU Blue Card.

Working as an IT specialist/residence permit for other types of work:  Even if you do not have any formal qualifications or a university degree, it is still possible for you to obtain a visa and work as an IT specialist in Germany. Therefore, certain prerequisites must be met.