Software Engineer Visa Route

Eligibility requirements

• 1University degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related ICT field (or comparable qualifications)
• 2Job offer from a German employer with a salary of at least €46,000 gross per year
• 3Degree must be recognised — EU/EEA degrees automatic; non-EU requires anabin database check or KMK assessment
• 4B1 German recommended (English sufficient in many tech companies but required for residence permit application)
• 5Valid health insurance
• 6No criminal record

Document checklist

• Valid passport
• University degree certificate (with certified German translation if not in English/German)
• Employment contract stating salary €46,000+
• Proof of health insurance (gesetzliche or private Krankenversicherung)
• German language certificate (B1 minimum) or evidence employer accepts English
• Biometric passport photo
• Completed visa application form (Nationalvisum for D-Visum)

Step-by-step process

1. 1

   Confirm your degree is recognised in Germany (check anabin.kmk.org)

2. 2

   Apply for jobs via XING, LinkedIn or direct applications; negotiate contract with €46,000+ salary

3. 3

   Apply for EU Blue Card at the German embassy/consulate in your home country

4. 4

   After 33 months (or 21 months with B1 German), apply for permanent settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)

5. 5

   Register at the Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days of arrival

6. 6

   Open a German bank account and register with health insurance