Which work visa fits me?

Germany has several routes for people who want to work here. Which one fits depends on where you are from, your qualification, and whether you already have a job offer. Answer a few questions and this page points you to the route to read about first.

Find your route

The routes

• EU, EEA or Swiss citizen. No visa and no work permit: you may take any job.^[1]
• EU Blue Card. A degree recognised as comparable, a concrete job offer, and a salary of at least €50,700 a year in 2026 — or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates. IT specialists without a degree can qualify with enough experience.^[2] Check an offer with the Blue Card salary check.
• Skilled-worker visa. A qualification recognised in Germany — a degree or vocational training — and a concrete job offer for qualified work. The job does not have to match your qualification, except in regulated professions.^[3] If you are over 45 and coming for the first time, the job must pay at least €55,770 gross a year (2026), or you must show adequate pension provision.^[3]
• Opportunity Card. No job offer needed: come for up to a year to look. Needs a degree or two-year vocational qualification, and points unless it is fully recognised.^[4] Count them with the Opportunity Card points check.
• After a German degree. Up to 18 months to look for a job, and you may take any job while you look.^[5]

Not covered here: research, self-employment, and the route for experienced workers whose qualification is recognised only in their home country. The Federal Employment Agency explains all the visa types.^[6]

What this finder does not do

• It is not a decision. The German embassy or the foreigners' office decides, on your documents.
• It is not legal advice. For a real case, ask the authority or an immigration lawyer.

Every route is explained in full in visas and work permits, and getting a qualification recognised in the recognition guide. Every tool is on one page.