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Visa and EU Blue Card for IT specialists - also possible without a university degree

Expert article in migration law

EU visa and Blue Card for IT experts – available even without an academic degree

The Skilled Immigration Act has significantly simplified access to the German labor market for IT specialists from third countries. Since March 1, 2022, IT specialists can apply for a residence permit for skilled employment in Germany even without an academic degree.

Another significant step came into force on November 18, 2023:
Since then, IT experts have been able to apply for the EU Blue Card even without a university degree – under the following conditions:

At least 3 years of practical professional experience in the field of information and communication technology (ICT)
theoretical knowledge equivalent to a university degree

This special regulation for IT specialists provides well-trained practitioners from countries such as India, Bangladesh or Pakistan with direct access to an attractive residence permit with numerous advantages, such as rapid settlement, family reunification and EU-wide mobility.

EU Blue Card for IT lawyers without a degree – my chance on the German job market.

IT experts are more sought after in the German labor market than ever before. In order to specifically address the shortage of skilled workers in the IT sector, German lawmakers now allow IT specialists without a university degree to apply for an EU Blue Card – based on Section 18g Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

Requirements for the EU Blue Card as an IT expert without a degree:

Specific job offer in the IT sector from a German employer
Minimum gross annual salary of EUR 43,759.80 (as of 2025, salary limit for shortage occupations)
At least three years of relevant professional experience in the last seven years
Proven theoretical IT knowledge at the level of a university degree (e.g. through certificates, training courses or exams)

This special regulation for IT experts offers you the opportunity to obtain an attractive residence permit with long-term prospects in Germany without an academic degree.

Are you an IT expert and would like to work in Germany – even without an academic degree?

As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, I will assess your personal requirements and support you in the legally secure application for your EU Blue Card for IT professionals.

Advantages of the EU Blue Card compared to the residence permit for IT lawyers

In addition to the EU Blue Card, IT specialists without a professional or university degree also have the option of applying for a residence permit in accordance with Section 19c Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act in conjunction with Section 6 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance.

In direct comparison, however, the EU Blue Card offers numerous legal advantages – particularly with regard to permanence, family reunification and legal certainty.

The main advantages of the EU Blue Card:

Eligibility: The EU Blue Card is a restricted entitlement – it must be granted if the requirements are met. The residence permit for IT specialists, however, is at the discretion of the immigration authorities.
Faster settlement permit: Holders of an EU Blue Card can apply for a permanent settlement permit after just 21 months (with German B1) or 27 months (with A1).
Extended family reunification: The EU Blue Card also makes it easier to bring parents and parents-in-law to Germany – family reunification is regulated more restrictively for residence permits for IT specialists.
Small difference in salary limits: Although the salary limit for the EU Blue Card is slightly higher (approximately €300 per year), this difference is more than offset by the benefits mentioned.
No language skills required: For both residence permits, knowledge of German is not mandatory when applying.

Are you an IT professional or employer looking for the optimal legal solution for your employment in Germany? As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, I can provide you with comprehensive advice on the advantages and disadvantages of the various residence permits – practical, legally sound, and tailored to your individual needs.

Visa for IT lawyers without a degree – Residence permit according to Section 19c of the Residence Act

Even without a university degree, IT specialists from third countries can obtain a residence permit to pursue a qualified activity in Germany – in accordance with Section 19c Paragraph 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) in conjunction with Section 6 Paragraph 1 Sentence 3 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV).

Requirements for the IT visa from 2025:

A concrete job offer in the IT sector from a German employer
At least two years of professional experience in the IT sector within the last five years
A minimum gross annual salary of 43,470 euros (as of 2025)
No knowledge of German required
Approval from the Federal Employment Agency is required

In contrast to the EU Blue Card, applicants do not have to provide evidence of theoretical knowledge at university level.
What is more important is that my practical professional experience clearly qualifies me for the intended position.
As part of the procedure, the Federal Employment Agency checks whether the working conditions correspond to domestic standards and whether the employment is adequately remunerated.

Are you an IT professional looking to work in Germany without a degree? As a lawyer specializing in immigration law, I can assist you in applying for a residence permit under Section 19c of the Residence Act – legally secure, personalized, and efficient.