Imiatlas

🇩🇪 Germany

Germany Work Visa: requirements and how to apply

Germany has 2 work visa routes: EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU), Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).

Official Germany work visa page

EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU)

Fast-track residence and work permit for university graduates with qualifying employment.

Typical duration
Up to 4 years
Path to permanent residency
Settlement permit (PR) in 21 months with B1 German or 27 months with basic German

Main requirements

  • Recognized degree
  • Binding employment contract meeting statutory salary floor

Official page

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

Points-based 1-year jobseeker visa with part-time work authorization up to 20 hours/week.

Typical duration
1 year
Path to permanent residency
Converts directly to EU Blue Card upon securing qualifying job

Main requirements

  • Minimum 6 points on scale (language, age, experience, previous stay)
  • Blocked account funds (~€1,027/mo)

Official page

Documents usually needed for Germany

  • Recognized university degree or vocational qualification (Anabin database verification)
  • Proof of concrete job offer with minimum salary threshold for EU Blue Card
  • Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) points based on language, age, and experience
  • Comprehensive statutory or expat health insurance coverage (Krankenversicherung)
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    Credential Recognition (Anabin / ZAB)

    Verify foreign degree equivalency via the official Anabin portal or obtain ZAB statement.

    2 - 6 weeks

  2. 2

    National Visa Application (Category D)

    Submit Videx application at the German diplomatic mission or consulate in your country.

    4 - 8 weeks

  3. 3

    City Registration & Residence Permit (eAT)

    Register address at the Bürgeramt (Anmeldung) and finalize electronic residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.

    2 - 4 weeks post-arrival

More about moving to Germany

Find a licensed adviser

For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.

Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Germany. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.

Federal Foreign Office & BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge)

General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Federal Foreign Office & BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) on the official website before applying.