Visa for IT Professionals (Section 19c)
🇩🇪 Germany visas · Work
What it is
Pathway for IT specialists from non-EU countries to work in Germany, including options for those without a formal IT degree but with substantial professional experience.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- Up to 4 years (aligned with employment contract)
- Processing time
- Not specified on page
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Embassy
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (national (D) visa to enter)
- EUR 75
- Application fee (residence permit, issued after arrival)
- EUR 100
Key requirements
- Recognised IT degree, OR at least 3 years of relevant IT work experience in the past 7 years (for EU Blue Card route)
- Specific job offer in the German IT sector
- Salary meeting EU Blue Card or skilled worker thresholds depending on chosen route
- German language not strictly required for the experience-based route
- Employer registered in Germany
Working on this visa
Qualified employment permitted where the Beschäftigungsverordnung (BeschV §6) allows admission; for IT specialists without a formal recognised qualification.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.