Coming to Germany
Which route to Germany is right for you?
There's more than one way in. Compare the main routes below — then open the one that fits, or take the visa checker for a personalized recommendation.
Not sure? Take the visa checker →Ausbildung (dual training)
Earn while you train — tuition-free, with a monthly wage.
- Best for:
- Career-starters or changers without a degree, on a budget
- Time:
- ≈ 3 years of training
Opportunity Card
Come to job-hunt on the ground — before you have an offer.
- Best for:
- Skilled people who want to search for work in Germany
- Time:
- Up to 12 months to find a job
EU Blue Card
The fast track for graduates with a qualifying offer.
- Best for:
- University graduates with a job offer above the salary threshold
- Time:
- Fast once you have the offer
Study in Germany
A respected, mostly tuition-free degree — with 18 months to find work after.
- Best for:
- Those who want a German degree first
- Time:
- Degree + 18 months post-study search
Recognition + skilled worker
Already qualified? Get recognised and come as a skilled worker.
- Best for:
- Trained/experienced professionals (nurses, trades, health…)
- Time:
- 3–12 months for recognition
At a glance
| Route | 🛠️ Ausbildung (dual training) | 🎯 Opportunity Card | 💼 EU Blue Card | 🎓 Study in Germany | 📜 Recognition + skilled worker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Career-starters or changers without a degree, on a budget | Skilled people who want to search for work in Germany | University graduates with a job offer above the salary threshold | Those who want a German degree first | Trained/experienced professionals (nurses, trades, health…) |
| Job offer needed? | Training contract required | Not needed | Yes — above the salary threshold | No | Often needed (or a recognition partnership) |
| Qualification | School-leaving certificate | Degree or 2-year vocational qualification | University degree (or IT experience) | School-leaving qualification (APS for some countries) | A foreign qualification to be recognised |
| German level | B1–B2 | A1 German or B2 English | Not required (B1 speeds up PR) | TestDaF/DSH, or IELTS/TOEFL for English tracks | B1–B2 (higher for health professions) |
| Cost | Tuition-free · paid ≈ €1,100+/mo | Proof of funds for your stay | — | Mostly tuition-free + blocked account | €100–600 + certified translations |
| Time | ≈ 3 years of training | Up to 12 months to find a job | Fast once you have the offer | Degree + 18 months post-study search | 3–12 months for recognition |
| Leads to | Work permit → permanent residence | Work permit / EU Blue Card | Permanent residence in 21–27 months | Work permit / EU Blue Card | Skilled worker visa → permanent residence |
Once you're in Germany: Whichever route you take, you'll need Anmeldung, a bank account, health insurance and a tax ID after you arrive. Our city guides walk you through each — and the free TiG Pilot extension explains and fills the German forms. See the settling-in guides →
Not sure this is your route — or how to apply?
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