Which route fits me?
Five main routes lead from China to Berlin. Pick by your situation, then read the route page.
| You are | Route |
|---|---|
| A Gaokao candidate or school leaver who wants a German degree | Study (§ 16b). First the APS certificate, then admission and money. |
| A bachelor graduate (or final-year student) who wants a Master's | Study, also with APS. |
| A graduate or experienced professional with a job offer from a German employer | Skilled worker / Blue Card |
| Qualified (degree or at least 2 years of vocational training), 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 |
| Someone who only wants to learn German in Germany, or a nurse or Chinese-cuisine cook | Language course or Other routes |
| Already in Berlin | Already in Berlin? |
Four honest checks before you decide
- German. Almost every route needs it, and it is the step that takes longest. Start now: Learning German in China.
- Money. See Costs at a glance. Most routes need a blocked account of €11,904 to €13,092 for one year – and the money has to leave China within the foreign-exchange rules, see Chinese rules.
- Documents. Since 7 November 2023 Chinese documents for Germany need an apostille instead of legalisation. See Documents from China.
- Where you apply. Your place of residence decides which German mission handles your visa. See 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.