IT Specialist Visa (Professional Experience)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 75
- Validity
- Up to 4 years, tied to employment contract duration
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Under Section 19c(2) AufenthG in conjunction with Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV), IT specialists and other professionally experienced workers can obtain a residence permit without a formal university or vocational degree. Since March 2024, this pathway has been expanded beyond IT to cover all non-regulated professions. Applicants need at least 2 years of relevant professional experience within the last 5 years and a job offer meeting the salary threshold of EUR 45,630 gross per year (2026). No German language test is required. Federal Employment Agency approval is needed. The permit can lead to permanent settlement after 4 years.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must have a concrete job offer for skilled employment in the IT sector or another non-regulated profession in Germany
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Employment
Must have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience within the last 5 years at the level of a qualified specialist. Must have a job offer with a salary of at least EUR 45,630 gross per year (2026). No formal degree required.
Required status: Job offer meeting salary threshold with 2+ years relevant experience
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Financial
Salary must meet the minimum threshold of EUR 45,630 gross per year (2026). Workers over 45 must earn at least EUR 55,770 per year or demonstrate adequate pension provision.
Minimum funds: EUR 45,630/year (2026); EUR 55,770/year for over 45
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public safety or order. Clean criminal record required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Biometric, 35x45mm, white background, not older than 6 months
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Employment contract showing salary meeting threshold; Minimum amount: EUR 45,630 gross per year (2026 salary threshold)
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Travel insurance
Coverage area: Germany and Schengen area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form for IT Specialists with Professional Experience; Form url: https://digital.diplo.de
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://digital.diplo.de; Location: German embassy or consulate
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
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Reference letter
Accepted referees: Previous employers confirming at least 2 years of relevant IT/professional experience within the last 5 years; Letters required: 2
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather employment references documenting at least 2 years of IT/professional experience within the last 5 years, signed employment contract meeting salary threshold, and other required documents
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Online application
Complete the national visa application via the German Consular Services Portal
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the German embassy or consulate in your country of residence
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of EUR 75
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Document submission
Submit all documents including passport, photos, employment contract, experience letters, CV, and health insurance proof
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy appointment
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Processing wait
Wait for the visa decision. The Federal Employment Agency must approve the employment. Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect your visa from the embassy. After arrival in Germany, register at the local registration office and apply for the residence permit.