For recognised skilled roles such as engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Route overview
Employer offer + qualification fit
Typical timeline / duration: 3-9 months
Important notes
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.
This page covers two common branches: the EU Blue Card for qualifying academic or ICT employment at the statutory salary level, and skilled-worker residence for a recognised qualification and eligible job. Choose the title that matches the job and qualification.
Non-EU applicants generally apply for an entry visa first and then the residence permit, subject to nationality exceptions.
Preparation checklist
Prepare route evidence: Salary and occupation must meet the current skilled-worker or EU Blue Card rules; check the current threshold before applying.
Choose the permit category: use the EU Blue Card for qualifying academic or ICT employment at the statutory salary level; use skilled-worker residence for a recognised qualification and eligible job.
Save submitted files and track the next application, reporting, or renewal date.