Germany visa routes

Opportunity Card · Work / skilled

Points-based job-search route

For people with education, language, or experience who want to job-hunt in Germany.

Typical timeline / duration: 2-6 months

• A recognised German or comparable foreign university degree or vocational qualification, or a foreign qualification accepted through the points route.
• At least six points if applying through the points system, with the required qualification, language evidence, and supporting factors such as experience, age, or a shortage occupation.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the job search, normally through a blocked account, declaration of commitment, or permitted part-time work evidence.
• Valid passport, qualification and recognition documents, language evidence, insurance, and the current German mission application documents.

Official source: Make it in Germany / Federal Government · last reviewed 2026-06

Skilled worker / EU Blue Card · Work / skilled

Employer offer + qualification fit

For recognised skilled roles such as engineering, IT, and healthcare.

Typical timeline / duration: 3-9 months

• A qualified job offer or employment contract with a German employer for the relevant skilled-worker or EU Blue Card route.
• Recognised or comparable foreign qualification, or the route-specific professional-experience basis where permitted.
• Proof of identity, sufficient means of support, health insurance, and any required professional licence or German mission documents.
• Salary and occupation must meet the current skilled-worker or EU Blue Card rules; check the current threshold before applying.

Official source: Make it in Germany / Federal Government · last reviewed 2026-06

Student visa · Study

Admission letter + blocked funds

Use master’s, language, or Ausbildung routes into Germany.

Typical timeline / duration: 2-6 months

• Admission to a state-recognised higher-education institution in Germany.
• Proof of living costs: at least €11,904 in a blocked account for 2026, or an accepted scholarship or declaration of commitment.
• Language evidence where the programme requires it, often around B2; valid passport and the German mission's visa documents are also required.
• Apply for the study visa or residence title before entry where required, then register locally and complete the residence formalities after arrival.

Official source: Make it in Germany / Federal Government · last reviewed 2026-06

Residence permit/visa for self-employment or freelance work · Remote income / digital nomad

For setting up a business: economic interest or regional demand, positive economic effect, financing through own capital/loan, pension provision if over 45. For freelancers in liberal professions: sufficient funds to finance projects, required professional licences, pension provision if over 45.

Typical timeline / duration: Initial visa/residence permit for self-employment up to 3 years; may be extended if successful and living costs are covered; settlement permit may be possible later.

• For setting up a business: economic interest or regional demand, positive economic effect, financing through own capital/loan, pension provision if over 45.
• For freelancers in liberal professions: sufficient funds to finance projects, required professional licences, pension provision if over 45.
• No fixed remote-worker income threshold on official page checked; must show sufficient funds/financing and ability to cover costs.

Official source: Germany official source · last reviewed 2026-06