GERMANY · SKILLED WORKERS
Your Degree,
a Skilled Career in Germany.
Work in a qualified position in Germany with your university degree or at least two years of vocational training. From recognition to the employment contract and the Blue Card, we build your file together.
THREE ROUTES
Which Route
Fits You?
All three are skilled-worker routes; your type of qualification and the salary decide.
EU Blue Card
The fastest and most attractive permit for graduates.
- Recognised university degree
- Job offer above the salary threshold
- Permanent residence after 21 months with B1
- No language test for your spouse
Academic Skilled Worker
For graduates whose salary is below the Blue Card threshold.
- Recognised university degree
- Any qualified job at degree level
- No general salary threshold
- Extra salary rule from age 45
Vocationally Trained Worker
For people with at least two years of vocational training.
- Training recognised in Germany
- Qualified job offer
- Recognition via IHK or the competent body
- Adaptation route if partially recognised
CORE DOCUMENTS
What Every
File Needs
Documents depend on your route and the status of your qualification. The mission’s current checklist is the deciding reference.
Recognition is key: if your university and programme are listed H+ in anabin, that usually suffices; otherwise a ZAB statement of comparability is required.
- Valid passport and national visa application
- Degree and transcript (with apostille and translation)
- anabin printout or ZAB statement of comparability
- Employment contract or binding job offer
- Employer’s declaration of employment
- CV in German or English
- Licence to practise for regulated professions
GOOD TO KNOW
Six Rules
Before You Apply
Recognition first
Clarify how your degree is assessed in Germany before job hunting. Without recognition the file stalls.
Work outside your field
Your degree lets you take any qualified job at the matching level.
Salary threshold
In 2026 the Blue Card requires €50,700 gross a year, or €45,934.20 in shortage occupations and for recent graduates.
Age 45 rule
First-time applicants aged 45 or older must show a minimum salary or adequate pension provision.
Fast-track procedure
Employers can request the fast-track procedure under §81a at the foreigners’ office.
Regulated professions
Doctors, teachers or pharmacists also need a licence to practise, not just degree recognition.
PROCESS
From Degree to
Your First Day at Work
The order is always the same; we plan each step with a timeline.
Profile Analysis
We review your degree, experience and target salary and pick the right route.
Recognition
We handle the anabin check or the ZAB application.
Job Search
We prepare a German-style CV and coach you for interviews.
Contract and Approval
We follow the contract and, if needed, the §81a fast track.
Visa and Arrival
We support the visa, registration and residence card.
COMMON MISTAKES
Three Mistakes
That Delay Files
Job hunting without recognition
A job offer without a recognised degree often costs months.
Miscalculating salary
The threshold is annual gross pay, not monthly net.
Skipping the licence
In regulated professions the file stops without a licence to practise.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. If your family is moving with you, see our family reunification page.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need German?
For the Blue Card and §18b a language certificate is usually not required for the visa. German is still a big advantage for jobs and daily life.
Can I work outside my field?
Yes, as long as the job is qualified and matches your degree level.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Spouses of Blue Card holders and skilled workers need no language certificate, and housing is no longer checked since March 2024. Spouses may work.
How long does it take?
It depends on recognition and the employer. With recognition ready and §81a, often a few months.
Sources: Residence Act (AufenthG) §§18a, 18b, 18g, 81a; Make it in Germany; anabin and ZAB. Salary thresholds for 2026. Information as of November 2026.
SKILLED WORKERS
Let’s Turn Your Degree
into a Career.
In a free consultation we clarify your degree’s status and the best route for you.
Get a Free Consultation