Key routes
- Opportunity Card — job-search route for recognised skilled workers or candidates who qualify under the points route.
- EU Blue Card — highly qualified employment route where qualification and salary conditions are met.
- Work visa for qualified professionals — direct employment route for qualifying skilled workers.
- Recognition-related routes — relevant where a foreign professional qualification must be recognised.
Is a job offer required?
The Opportunity Card can support job search without an existing job offer; the EU Blue Card and direct skilled-employment routes require qualifying employment.
PR / settlement potential
EU Blue Card holders may qualify for a settlement permit after 27 months with A1 German, or after 21 months with B1, provided the other requirements are met.
Profile assessment matters: Occupation, age, qualifications, language, experience, salary, licensing, sponsorship, points and family circumstances can change which route is realistic.