Visa & Work Permits

Every route to Germany,
handled.

EU Blue Card, Skilled Worker Visa (§18a/§18b), ICT Card, Chancenkarte conversion, experience-based permits (§19c) — Germany has over a dozen visa routes for skilled workers. relokate identifies the fastest path for each hire and manages the entire application from document preparation to work permit issuance.

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Visa types we handle

EU Blue Card (§18g)

Germany's premium work permit for highly qualified professionals. Requires a recognised degree and a salary above the threshold. Fastest path to permanent residence (21 months with B1 German).

Skilled Worker Visa — Degree (§18b)

For employees with a recognised university degree whose role matches their qualification. No minimum salary requirement beyond standard employment terms.

Skilled Worker Visa — Vocational (§18a)

For employees with recognised vocational training (Ausbildung). The qualification must be formally recognised in Germany — we coordinate the recognition process.

ICT Card (§19)

Intra-company transfer card for managers, specialists, or trainees being transferred from a non-EU office to a German branch. Valid up to 3 years.

Chancenkarte Conversion

Candidates already in Germany on a Chancenkarte (opportunity card) who secure employment. We handle the conversion to a full work permit.

Experience-Based Permit (§19c)

For IT professionals and other specialists with at least 3 years of relevant experience but no formal degree. Minimum salary of EUR 41,040 (2026).

Visa comparison at a glance

Visa type	Salary threshold (2026)	Degree required	Processing time	Path to PR
EU Blue Card (§18g)	EUR 46,530 / 43,470*	Yes — recognised	4-12 weeks	21 months (B1) / 27 months
Skilled Worker — Degree (§18b)	No minimum	Yes — recognised	4-12 weeks	4 years
Skilled Worker — Vocational (§18a)	No minimum	Vocational (recognised)	6-16 weeks	4 years
ICT Card (§19)	No minimum	Varies	4-12 weeks	Not applicable
Chancenkarte Conversion	Adequate salary	Yes (points-based)	2-6 weeks (in-country)	Via subsequent permit
Experience-Based (§19c)	EUR 41,040	No — 3 yrs experience	6-16 weeks	4 years

* Lower threshold applies to shortage occupations (MINT, medicine, IT). Thresholds updated annually.

How we handle your visa case

relokate manages the full process. Your HR team stays informed via the dashboard.

Visa route assessment

Day 1

We evaluate your hire's profile — nationality, qualifications, salary, role — and identify the optimal visa route. If multiple options exist, we recommend the one with the shortest processing time and best long-term outcome.

Document preparation

Week 1-2

We collect, review, and prepare the complete application package: employment contract, qualification documents, proof of salary, health insurance, passport copies, and all authority-specific forms. We flag issues before they cause delays.

Embassy coordination

Week 2-4

We coordinate the embassy appointment in the employee's home country, prepare them for the interview, and ensure all documents match embassy requirements. For fast-track eligible cases, we handle the pre-approval process.

Authority liaison

Week 4-8

relokate communicates directly with the German immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) and Federal Employment Agency (BA) on behalf of the employer. We track the case, respond to requests, and escalate if processing stalls.

Visa issuance & entry

Week 6-12

Once approved, the employee receives their visa and enters Germany. relokate manages the transition — Anmeldung, health insurance activation, bank account, and residence permit application.

Which visa fits your hire?

Use this quick decision guide — or let relokate assess it for you with a free visa pre-check.

University degree + salary above EUR 46,530

Best option — fastest path to permanent residence and family benefits.

EU Blue Card

University degree + salary below Blue Card threshold

No salary minimum. Role must match the degree field.

Skilled Worker Visa (§18b)

Vocational training (Ausbildung), recognised in Germany

Requires formal recognition. relokate coordinates the recognition process.

Skilled Worker Visa (§18a)

3+ years IT/tech experience, no degree

Minimum salary EUR 41,040. No degree recognition needed.

Experience-Based Permit (§19c)

Internal transfer from non-EU office

For managers, specialists, or trainees. Max 3 years.

ICT Card (§19)

Already in Germany on Chancenkarte

Convert to a full work permit once employment is secured.

Chancenkarte Conversion

Not sure? Try the free visa pre-check →

Frequently asked questions

Which visa type is fastest to process?

The EU Blue Card and Skilled Worker Visa (§18b) typically have the shortest processing times — 4-12 weeks from application to visa issuance. Using Germany's fast-track procedure (§81a) can reduce this further to 4-8 weeks for eligible cases.

Does relokate handle qualification recognition?

Yes. For visa types that require formal recognition of degrees or vocational training (§18a, §18b), relokate coordinates the entire recognition process with anabin, KMK, or the relevant chamber. We can also initiate recognition in parallel with the visa application when using the fast-track procedure.

Can my hire start working before the residence permit is issued?

Yes — once your employee enters Germany on a work visa, they can start working immediately. The visa itself contains the work authorisation. The residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) replaces the visa after entry and is applied for at the local Ausländerbehörde.

What if the salary is below the Blue Card threshold?

If the salary is below the EU Blue Card threshold but the employee has a recognised degree, the Skilled Worker Visa (§18b) is usually the best alternative. There is no minimum salary requirement — the role just needs to match the qualification field.

How does relokate charge for visa services?

relokate charges per case with transparent pricing. The visa service is included in the standard relocation package — there is no separate fee for choosing a specific visa type. Government fees (e.g., EUR 75 for a standard visa, EUR 411 for fast-track) are paid directly by the employer or employee.

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