Which route fits me?
Citizens of the six Western Balkan states have one route nobody else has: the Western Balkans rule. It is not always the best one. Pick by your situation, then read the route page.
| You are | Route |
|---|---|
| Anyone with a job offer, with or without a recognised qualification | Western Balkans rule (quota, pre-approval by the employer) |
| A graduate or trained professional with a job offer | Skilled worker / Blue Card, no quota |
| Qualified, no job offer yet, with savings and German A1 or English B2 | Opportunity Card |
| A school leaver who wants vocational training, German at B1 or close | Ausbildung |
| A school leaver or graduate who wants a German degree | Study, then admission and money |
| A nurse, professional driver or language learner | Other routes |
| Only visiting, up to 90 days | Visa-free travel – no work allowed |
| Already in Berlin | Already in Berlin? |
Four honest checks before you decide
- Quota or no quota. The Western Balkans rule is capped and has run out early. If you have a recognised qualification, the skilled-worker route has no cap. See Recognition.
- German. Almost every route needs it, and it takes longest. Start now: Learning German.
- Documents. Five of the six states use the apostille; Kosovo does not in relation to Germany. See Documents.
- Visa-free entry is not a work permit. For work, training or study you need a national visa before you travel: Visa application.
This site gives general orientation. It does not assess your individual case; for that see a lawyer for migration law or a recognised advice centre.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.