Germany · long-stay visa routes and official sources
5 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for Germany: Medium (44/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Opportunity Card / student / skilled work.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to Germany?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Opportunity Card / student / skilled work. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (44/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to Germany without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 5 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
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.
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.
Hold a German-recognised or comparable qualification; some IT and experienced-worker cases may instead use the professional-experience rules for that route.
Proof of identity, sufficient means of support, health insurance, and any required professional licence or German mission documents.
Salary and occupation must fit the current skilled-worker or EU Blue Card rules. From 1 January 2026 the EU Blue Card salary threshold is EUR 50,700 gross a year (EUR 4,225 a month), or EUR 45,934.20 (EUR 3,827.85 a month) for shortage occupations and graduates who finished university less than three years ago. The thresholds are recalculated every January. Regulated professions also require a German licence, and the ordinary skilled-worker route requires an eligible occupation, qualification, and employment basis.
A route for establishing and running a business in Germany with economic interest, financing, and a positive economic effect.
Typical timeline / duration: Up to 3 years initially
Show an economic interest or regional demand for the proposed business and a positive expected economic effect.
Provide a viable business plan and evidence of financing through own capital or an approved loan.
Provide identity, accommodation, health-insurance, and, where applicable, pension-provision evidence; applicants over 45 have additional pension requirements.
Qualify as a freelancer in a recognised liberal profession and provide the professional licences or qualifications required for the activity.
Show sufficient funds to finance the projects, client or project evidence, and the ability to cover living costs.
Provide identity, accommodation, health-insurance, and, where applicable, pension-provision evidence; applicants over 45 have additional pension requirements.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.