IT Specialist Visa (Card for Skilled Workers)

The German IT Specialist visa (Section 19c AufenthG) grants skilled IT workers a work residence permit without requiring formal qualifications or a recognised degree. Applicants need at least two years of IT experience within the last five years, a concrete job offer, and a gross annual salary of at least €45,630.

Tied to the employment contract, the permit is renewable with no fixed cap. Holders may obtain a settlement permit after five years. Spouses join on a family reunification visa with unrestricted work rights; children up to 18 are included. The application fee is €75 and processing takes 4-12 weeks.

This visa is ideal for experienced IT professionals without a formal degree who have a German job offer and want a renewable work permit with a path to permanent residence.