Germany guides

It depends on the route. The Opportunity Card direct route for a recognized skilled worker has no language-certificate requirement. The points route requires at least German A1 or English B2; German A2, B1, and B2 or higher earn 1, 2, and 3 points respectively, while qualifying English C1 can add one point.

It is tied to the German pension-insurance contribution-assessment ceiling and reset every January. The 2026 figure is €50,700 gross per year for most occupations; shortage occupations such as IT, healthcare, and engineering use a reduced threshold of €45,934.20. Salary must be the regular gross — bonuses count only if guaranteed in the contract.

Most non-EU professional qualifications must be assessed by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) using the anabin database. Regulated professions (doctors, nurses, teachers) require formal Anerkennung from the relevant state authority before practising. The recognition decision is often the slowest step in the Skilled Worker pathway and worth starting before applying for the visa.

Yes. The Anmeldung at the local Bürgeramt is mandatory within two weeks of moving in. The certificate (Meldebescheinigung) is required for opening a bank account, getting your tax ID (Steuer-ID), enrolling in statutory health insurance, and obtaining your residence permit.

Since the June 2024 citizenship reform, most permanent residents become eligible after 5 years of legal residence — reduced to 3 years for those demonstrating special integration achievements (C1 German, civic engagement, exceptional educational or professional accomplishments). Dual citizenship is now generally permitted.