Skilled worker and Blue Card
If a German employer offers you a job that matches your qualification, these are the main permits (Consulate overview; Make it in Germany):
| Permit | Key conditions 2026 |
|---|---|
| EU Blue Card (§ 18g) | Recognised or comparable degree; gross salary at least €50,700, or €45,934.20 in shortage occupations and for graduates within 3 years. IT specialists without a degree: 3 years of experience in the last 7. |
| § 18a / § 18b | Recognised vocational qualification (§ 18a) or degree (§ 18b), job in the field of the qualification. |
| § 19c (1) with § 6 BeschV | Professional experience: at least 2 years in the last 5 years and a state-recognised qualification in Hong Kong, salary at least €45,630; the salary threshold does not apply if the employer is bound by a collective agreement (Make it in Germany). |
Your degree
Check your university and degree in anabin: the university should be “H+” and the degree listed as equivalent. Otherwise get a statement of comparability from the ZAB; see Recognition.
Age 45 and over
For a first permit (not the Blue Card), you need a salary of at least €55,770 or proof of adequate pension provision (Consulate employment checklist).
Fast-track procedure
Your employer can start the fast-track procedure at the immigration office (§ 81a); fee €411. The visa appointment then follows within about three weeks.
Permanent residence
Settlement permit after 3 years with B1 German, or 2 years after a German degree or training (§ 18c). Blue Card: after 27 months with A1, or 21 months with B1. More: Federal Employment Agency.
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