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Germany has a steady need for skilled workers, and people from outside the EU, including UK, US, Indian and Nigerian citizens, with a degree or a recognised vocational qualification can apply for a work visa or residence permit once they have a job offer. This guide covers how to find work, the EU Blue Card and its salary thresholds, how to apply, and what to prepare. For the Opportunity Card and the other skilled-worker routes, read our Germany Opportunity Card and Skilled Worker guide.
Which route fits you?
| Route | Best for | Job offer needed? |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | University graduates with a qualifying salary offer | Yes |
| Skilled worker residence permit | People with a recognised degree or vocational training | Yes |
| Opportunity Card | Qualified people who want to search in Germany | No |
| Self-employment permit | Entrepreneurs and freelancers | No, but a business case |
EU Blue Card: 2026 salary thresholds
| Category | Minimum gross annual salary (from 1 January 2026) |
|---|---|
| Standard | €50,700 |
| Shortage occupations and recent graduates (within 3 years of graduating) | €45,934.20 |
You need a recognised university degree and a job that matches it. IT specialists without a degree can qualify if they have at least three years of relevant experience within the last seven years. Older figures such as €56,800 and €44,304 are out of date, and thresholds change each year, so check the current amounts on the official Make it in Germany site.
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Where you apply depends on your passport
| Your nationality | Usual process |
|---|---|
| UK, US, Canada, Australia and a few other countries | You can usually enter Germany without a visa and apply for the residence permit there. Confirm this on the official Make it in Germany site before you travel |
| India, Nigeria and most other countries | Apply for a national visa at the German mission before you travel, then collect the residence permit after arrival |
Worked example (hypothetical)
This is an illustration, not a real case. A software engineer with a bachelor’s degree receives an offer of €52,000 a year. That is above the €50,700 standard Blue Card threshold, so she can apply for the Blue Card. A recent graduate offered €47,000 in a shortage occupation would be above the €45,934.20 reduced threshold but below the standard one, so she should check that her job and graduation date qualify for the reduced category.
Finding a job
- Use the job boards that German employers use, such as StepStone, LinkedIn, Indeed Germany and the Federal Employment Agency’s job board.
- Target the shortage fields: IT, engineering, health and nursing care, skilled trades.
- Use a German-style CV: clear, in reverse chronological order, with education, experience, skills and languages. A photo is optional.
- Write a short cover letter that explains why you fit the specific role.
Be careful with recruiters who ask you to pay for a job offer. A real employer does not charge you to hire you, and a fake contract will end a visa application.
Recognition of your qualification
Most routes need your degree or training to be recognised in Germany. Check your degree’s status in the Anabin database, and apply for formal recognition if your profession is regulated, such as nursing, medicine or engineering titles. Recognition can take weeks to months, so start early.
How to apply for a work visa
- Get a written job offer or contract from a German employer.
- Prepare documents: passport, signed contract, degree or training certificates, proof of recognition where needed, CV and health insurance.
- Apply at the German mission in your country of residence, if you need a visa first. Book an appointment and attend in person.
- Consider the accelerated procedure. Your employer can ask the local immigration authority in Germany to speed up the case, which can shorten the wait.
- After arrival, register your address and collect your residence permit.
Documents from outside Germany often need an apostille or legalisation and a certified German translation. Our translation guide explains the process.
Language
The Blue Card does not usually require German, and many IT roles work in English. Most other jobs, especially in health care and trades, expect German. Even basic German helps with daily life, housing and integration.
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Settling in
- Health insurance is mandatory.
- Housing is competitive in Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt. Start the search before you arrive.
- Registration of your address is required soon after arrival.
If you plan to run your own business, read the Germany self-employment visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I come to Germany to look for a job?
Yes, with a qualified job-seeker route such as the Opportunity Card.
Can my family come with me?
Family reunification is possible for Blue Card and skilled-worker permit holders, with conditions on housing and, in some cases, language.
How long does it take?
It varies by mission and by case. Allow several weeks for the visa, plus time for recognition.
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