Germany: work permits and the route to settlement
Graduates usually come on an EU Blue Card and can settle in under two years with good German. Without a degree, the main route is a paid vocational training (Ausbildung) or getting a trade qualification recognised, then working as a skilled worker. German is the deciding skill on almost every route.
Germany: route to settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
Study in Germany or come with a recognised degree, work on an EU Blue Card, and get a settlement permit after 21 to 27 months.
- Study / degreeGerman degree or recognised foreign degreeKorean degrees are checked in the anabin database
- Job search18-month job seeker permitFor German graduates; others can use the Opportunity Card
- EU Blue CardSkilled job offer€50,700 a year in 2026 (€45,934 in shortage fields)
- ResidenceLive and work in Germany21 months with B1 German, 27 months with A1
- SettlementSettlement permitPension contributions for the same period
Germany: route to settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
Learn German, do a paid vocational training (Ausbildung) or get a foreign trade qualification recognised, then work as a skilled worker and settle after 3 years.
- GermanGerman to B1Most training places expect B1
- AusbildungPaid vocational training2–3.5 years, with a monthly training wage
- Skilled workerSkilled worker residence permitOr recognise an existing trade qualification
- 3 yearsWork and pay into pension36 months of contributions and B1 German
- SettlementSettlement permitGerman training graduates can apply after 2 years
Rules as of October 2026. Sources: Make it in Germany (federal government), The Local on 2026 Blue Card salaries. Always confirm with the official immigration authority.
Permit types and requirements
Pick a permit to see its language, education and experience requirements, how long it lasts and where it leads.
Official authority Make it in Germany (federal government portal) ↗
Student Student residence permit
Official page ↗- Language
- German or English per programme
- Education
- University admission
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- Blocked account with about a year's living costs; part-time work allowed
- Length of stay
- Length of study; 18-month job search permit after graduation
- Leads to
- EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit
Opportunity Card Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Official page ↗- Language
- German A1 or English B2
- Education
- Degree or at least 2 years' vocational qualification recognised in Korea
- Experience
- Earns points; 6 points needed unless the qualification is fully recognised
- Other conditions
- Proof of funds; part-time work up to 20 hours a week while looking
- Length of stay
- Up to 1 year
- Leads to
- EU Blue Card or skilled worker permit
EU Blue Card EU Blue Card
Official page ↗- Language
- No test
- Education
- Recognised degree; IT specialists can qualify with 3 years' experience instead
- Experience
- Not required with a degree
- Other conditions
- Salary €50,700 a year in 2026, or €45,934 in shortage fields and for new graduates
- Length of stay
- Up to 4 years
- Leads to
- Settlement permit after 21–27 months
Skilled worker Skilled worker permit (§18a/§18b)
Official page ↗- Language
- Usually German, depending on the job
- Education
- Vocational qualification or degree recognised as equivalent in Germany
- Experience
- Counts toward recognition
- Other conditions
- Concrete job offer; regulated jobs (nursing, electrician) need full recognition
- Length of stay
- Up to 4 years
- Leads to
- Settlement permit after 3 years
Ausbildung Vocational training visa
Official page ↗- Language
- Usually German B1
- Education
- School leaving certificate; training contract with a company
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- Paid monthly training wage; mixes school and on-the-job work
- Length of stay
- 2–3.5 years
- Leads to
- Skilled worker permit; settlement after 2 years
Settlement permit Settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
Official page ↗- Language
- B1 German (A1 for Blue Card at 27 months)
- Education
- Held through the earlier permit
- Experience
- 21–27 months on a Blue Card, 3 years as a skilled worker, 2 years after German study or training
- Other conditions
- Pension contributions for the same period, secure income and housing
- Length of stay
- Permanent
- Leads to
- Citizenship after 5 years
October 2026 rules. Sources: Make it in Germany, The Local on 2026 Blue Card salaries. Confirm with the official immigration authority before applying.
Get your qualification recognised first
Skilled worker permits and regulated jobs such as nursing or electrical work need a German recognition decision. The federal Recognition in Germany ↗ portal shows which office handles your profession.