Europe's largest job market, with a points-based search card and one of the fastest Blue Card routes to permanent residence.
Permanent residence: 5 years. Settlement permit after 5 years in general; EU Blue Card holders can qualify after 27 months, or 21 months with B1 German.
Citizenship: 5 years. Naturalisation after 5 years with B1 German, a citizenship test and self-sufficiency.
| Route | Valid for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card Work and residence permit for graduates with a qualified job offer above the Blue Card salary threshold. | Up to 4 years | €75 national visa |
| Skilled worker visa For people with a recognised university or vocational qualification and a matching job offer. | Up to 4 years | €75 national visa |
| Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) Move to Germany to look for work, with part-time work allowed while you search. Points for language, experience, age and ties to Germany. | Up to 1 year | €75 national visa |
| Freelance visa For self-employed professionals with clients in Germany and enough income to support themselves. | Up to 3 years | €75 national visa |
| Student visa For admitted students; after graduating you can stay up to 18 months to find a job. | Length of the programme | €75 national visa |