IT Professional — Experienced Worker without Formal Qualification

Do you have qualified work experience and would like to work in a non-regulated profession in Germany? If that is the case, then the visa according to Section 19c (2) of the Residence Act [AufenthG] (in conjunction with Section 6 of the Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners [BeschV]) offers the opportunity to take up qualified employment in Germany without having your qualifications formally recognised according to German standards.

A special provision applies to experienced professionals in the field of information and communication technologies: No proof of formal qualification (non-academic vocational qualification, academic qualification or AHK qualification) is required.

You have a concrete job offer in a non-regulated profession in Germany. In contrast to regulated professions , non-regulated professions are those whose practice is not protected by law. Most vocational training occupations in Germany are non-regulated. To find out which professions are regulated, visit the Federal Employment Agency (BA) website. You can prove that you have a job offer by presenting an employment contract with an employer in Germany. In addition, your employer’s “ Declaration of Employment ” will usually be required as part of the visa process.

has approved your employment. In this context, the Federal Employment Agency will assess whether your conditions of employment (salary, working hours etc.) correspond to those of domestic employees.

You can provide evidence of at least two years of qualified professional experience within the last five years.

Your potential job in Germany guarantees you a gross annual salary of at least €45,630 (as of 2026). Your contract should include details of your future salary. Alternatively, it is sufficient if your employer is bound by a collective agreement and pays you in accordance with that agreement. However, if you are older than 45, the job you intend to take in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €55,770 (as of 2026) or you must be able to prove that you have adequate pension provision.

Sentence 1 no. 3 does not apply to professions in the area of information and communication technology.

Do you want to live in Germany with your family? This residence permit enables you to do so.

As long as you are in employment and can cover your living costs, you will usually be able to extend your residence permit . You may be granted a settlement permit after five years in Germany. In this context, the general provisions under Section 9 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) (External link) <desc>box with arrow to the right</desc>  apply.