How can IT Professionals Work and Live in Germany?

Germany has recently been offering attractive immigration routes for IT specialists, as it increases its investments in digitalization and innovation. There are various immigration options available depending on the IT specialists’ qualifications, educational background, experience, and employment contract.

Residence Permit Options in Germany

1. Education and Qualified Employment Contract

• If you have an academic or vocational qualification recognized in Germany or obtained in Germany,
• If you can find a qualified employment contract,
• If you can obtain approval for your employment contract from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit),

In this case, you can obtain a residence permit in Germany under §18a or §18b of the Residence Act.

2. EU Blue Card

• If you have an academic or vocational qualification recognized in Germany or obtained in Germany,
• Or if you don’t have a diploma but have 3 years of experience in the last 7 years,
• If you can find a qualified employment contract,
• If you can obtain approval for your employment contract from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit),
• If your annual gross salary is at least 43,759.80 Euros,

If you meet these conditions, you can obtain an EU Blue Card under §18g of the Residence Act. If your annual salary exceeds 48,300 Euros, you do not need approval from the Federal Employment Agency.

3. Residence Permit for Specialists Without a Diploma

• If you do not have a diploma but have 2 years of experience in the last 5 years,
• If you can find a qualified employment contract,
• If you can obtain approval for your employment contract from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit),
• If your annual gross salary is at least 43,470 Euros,

If you meet these conditions, you can obtain a residence permit in Germany under §19c of the Residence Act.

Important Note: If the applicant is over 45 years old, the annual gross salary must be at least 53,130 Euros for all the immigration options mentioned above.