30/05/2026
Germany - Visa Options for IT Professionals
There are three main options for obtaining a residence title. The first option is a residence title for qualified employment, specifically intended for skilled workers according to Sections 18a and 18b of the Residence Act. To meet the eligibility criteria for this option, you must possess a higher education qualification or a vocational qualification that is recognised in Germany, or alternatively, one that has been obtained in Germany. You also require a concrete job offer as an IT specialist in Germany. If you are a person over the age of 45, you must have a gross annual salary of at least €55,770 as of 2026, or you must hold adequate pension provision. Furthermore, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is a mandatory requirement for this route.
The second option is the EU Blue Card, which is issued according to Section 18g of the Residence Act. The requirements for this pathway include an academic qualification that is recognised in Germany, a comparable qualification of tertiary education, or a higher education qualification that has been obtained in Germany. You must have a concrete job offer in Germany as an IT specialist or manager, and your employment must be appropriate to your qualification. A minimum gross annual salary of €45,934.20 as of 2026 is required. The approval of the Federal Employment Agency is also needed, but this approval is not required if your salary threshold stands at a minimum of €50,700 as of 2026. There is also a provision within this option for IT professionals without a formal educational qualification. For this specific path, you must have at least three years of work experience on an academic level in the IT sector during the previous seven years. You also require employment appropriate to the qualification in Germany, a gross annual salary of €45,934.20 as of 2026, and the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.
The third option is a residence title according to Section 19c paragraph 2 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners. The criteria for this option include having at least two years of work experience in the IT sector during the previous five years, alongside a concrete job offer in Germany. You must secure a gross annual salary of €45,630 as of 2026 and obtain the approval of the Federal Employment Agency. However, the requirement of a minimum salary is dropped if the employer is bound by collective agreements and if you are employed under the applicable collectively agreed working conditions.
All salary figures and guidelines are current as of January 2026. This policy information is associated with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
