To Berlin with your profession

Which route to Berlin fits depends mostly on your profession: an IT specialist needs no recognition, a nurse does, a doctor needs a licence, a cook often needs work experience rather than a certificate. For each group of professions you find the right residence permit, what must be recognised, how much German you need and who is in charge in Berlin. Every statement has a source. Free, independent, no agency.

Not sure? Which route fits my profession?

A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.

Graduate professions and creatives

💻Coming to Berlin as an IT specialistBlue Card, IT without a degree, the experience route, Opportunity Card and freelancing: 2026 salary thresholds and steps in Berlin. 🏗Coming to Berlin as an engineerBlue Card with a lower salary threshold, the protected title "Ingenieur" via the Baukammer Berlin, building permit eligibility and steps. 🔬Coming to Berlin as a researcherResearch residence under § 18d with a hosting agreement, mobility from other EU states, the Blue Card as an alternative, and doctorates. 🎨Coming to Berlin as a creative or freelancerResidence for freelance work under § 21 (5), Berlin practice for artists, the artists' social fund (KSK), culture jobs and founding a business.

Health, childcare, teaching

🩺Coming to Berlin as a nurseRegistered nurse: recognition by LAGeSo, knowledge test or adaptation course, § 16d, German B2, fair recruitment. 👨‍⚕️Coming to Berlin as a doctorApprobation or temporary permit from LAGeSo, C1 medical German test, knowledge test, Blue Card. Also: dentists and pharmacists. 🧑‍🏫Coming to Berlin as an educator or teacherEarly-years educator (C1), side entry into daycare, teaching with two subjects (C2), social work: recognition by the Senate Department for Education.

Trades, hospitality, transport

👨‍🍳Coming to Berlin as a cook or chefRecognised cook training, work experience under § 6 BeschV, specialty cooks, training in Berlin, Western Balkans – and what to watch out for in hospitality. 🔧Coming to Berlin as a tradespersonElectrical, plumbing and heating, automotive, construction: recognition at the Berlin Chamber of Crafts, § 18a, adaptation training, § 6 BeschV and the master craftsman rule. 🚚Coming to Berlin as a professional driverTruck and bus drivers from non-EU countries: § 24a BeschV, converting your licence at LABO, initial qualification with code 95. 🧭Coming to Berlin without a vocational qualificationHonestly: without a qualification there are few routes. Western Balkans, seasonal work, training, au pair, volunteering – and why the Opportunity Card does not fit.

Learning in Berlin

🎓Coming to Berlin to studyStudying under section 16b Residence Act: admission, preparatory college, 2026 funds, working while studying and options after graduating. 🛠Coming to Berlin for vocational trainingVocational training under section 16a Residence Act: in-company or school-based, 2026 training pay, proof of funds, search under section 17 and next steps.

Orientation

🧭Which route fits my profession?Overview of all profession pages: the usual residence permit, whether recognition is needed, German – and four questions to show you the direction. 📚SourcesLaws, Berlin authorities, federal portals and advice services the profession pages rely on – checked in October 2026.