Skilled Worker Visa

The EU Blue Card requires meeting strict high-salary thresholds and is largely reserved for university graduates or experienced IT specialists. The Skilled Worker Visa handles all other qualified roles (including vocational trades) and has no fixed statutory salary threshold, only the requirement that the salary meets normal regional standards.

During the first year, changing employers requires approval from the Foreigners' Authority (Ausländerbehörde). After holding the permit for a specified period (typically 2 years), you are generally granted free access to the labor market.

As a recognized skilled worker under § 18a or § 18b, you can apply for the Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) after **3 years** of holding the residence permit, provided you have paid into the statutory pension system and have **B1 level German**.