IT Specialist Visa Options in Germany (2026)
TL;DR
Three main routes: Section 19c IT visa (no language, no degree, 2 years experience, €45,630), EU Blue Card (fastest to permanent residency; from 2026 IT specialists can qualify without a degree with 3 years experience + €45,630; 21 or 33 months to PR with B1 or A1), and Skilled Worker visa (recognised degree, often lower salary, 5 years to PR). Your choice depends on degree, experience, salary, and how fast you want permanent residency.
What this means for you
No German is required for the initial visa for any of these. Section 19c is the only one that needs only 2 years experience and no degree. Blue Card is the fastest to PR (21 months with B1, 33 months with A1) and is now open to IT specialists without a degree if you have 3 years experience and meet the salary. Skilled Worker fits you if you have a recognised degree but can’t reach the Blue Card / Section 19c salary. Confirm current salary thresholds on the official sites below.
Three Options at a Glance
- Section 19c IT: No language, no degree, 2 years IT experience, €45,630 (2026). PR in 5 years (B1).
- EU Blue Card: No language for initial visa. With degree, or (from 2026) 3 years IT experience + €45,630. PR in 21 months (B1) or 33 months (A1).
- Skilled Worker: Recognised degree, no language for initial visa, often lower salary. PR in 5 years (B1).
Details: Section 19c IT Visa (2026), EU Blue Card Timeline (2026).
Comparison Table
| Requirement |
Section 19c IT |
EU Blue Card (IT) |
Skilled Worker |
| Language (initial) |
None |
None |
None |
| Degree |
Not required |
Not required for IT (3 yrs exp) |
Required (recognised) |
| Experience |
2 years |
3 years (if no degree) or degree |
Varies (degree-based) |
| Salary (2026) |
€45,630 |
€45,630 (IT) or €50,700 (general) |
Lower threshold |
| Time to PR |
5 years |
21 months (B1) or 33 months (A1) |
5 years |
| Language for PR |
B1 |
B1 or A1 |
B1 |
| Best for |
No degree, 2 yrs IT, no German |
Fastest PR, higher salary |
Degree, lower salary |
Option 1: Section 19c IT Visa
For IT specialists only: no German and no degree; 2 years relevant experience and €45,630 gross per year (2026). PR after 5 years with B1. Good if you don’t have a degree, don’t speak German yet, and can meet the salary. Downside: 5 years to PR. Full guide: Section 19c IT Visa (2026).
Option 2: EU Blue Card (IT) – 2026 Update
From 2026, IT specialists can get the Blue Card without a degree with 3 years of relevant IT experience (within the last 7 years), salary ≥ €45,630, and evidence of theoretical knowledge (e.g. certifications, training). With a recognised degree, the same salary rules apply (€45,630 for IT/shortage, €50,700 general). No German for the initial visa. Fastest to PR: 21 months with B1 or 33 months with A1. Best if you want the shortest path to PR and can meet salary and (for no-degree) experience. Full guide: EU Blue Card Timeline (2026).
Option 3: Skilled Worker Visa
Requires a recognised degree; no German for the initial visa; salary threshold is generally lower than Blue Card or Section 19c. PR after 5 years with B1. Best if you have a degree but can’t reach the €45,630 threshold. Overview: Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language (2026).
Which One to Choose?
Section 19c if you have no degree, 2+ years IT experience, no German, and €45,630+. Blue Card if you want the fastest PR (21 or 33 months) and have 3+ years IT experience (or a degree) plus the salary. Skilled Worker if you have a recognised degree and a lower salary offer.
Salary Thresholds (2026)
| Visa |
Threshold (2026) |
Note |
| Section 19c IT |
€45,630/year |
~€3,802.50/month |
| Blue Card (IT) |
€45,630/year |
IT / shortage |
| Blue Card (general) |
€50,700/year |
~€4,225/month |
| Skilled Worker |
Varies |
Generally lower |
Thresholds are updated yearly; confirm on official sites.
Experience and Time to PR
Experience: Section 19c = 2 years IT. Blue Card without degree = 3 years IT (within last 7 years) + theoretical knowledge. Blue Card with degree = no minimum experience. Skilled Worker = degree-based.
Time to PR: Blue Card 21 months (B1) or 33 months (A1); Section 19c and Skilled Worker = 5 years (B1). More on B1 and the integration test: B1: 21 vs 33 Months (2026), Leben in Deutschland (2026).
Application in Short
Get a job offer that meets the salary (and role) for your chosen visa. Check you meet experience/degree requirements. Gather contract, experience or degree proof, passport, biometric photo, and other required docs. Apply via the Consular Services Portal. Processing often 2–4 months. After approval, enter Germany, do Anmeldung, and apply for the residence permit at the local immigration office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IT visa is best for me?
Section 19c if you have no degree and 2+ years IT. Blue Card if you want fastest PR and can meet salary (and 3 years exp if no degree). Skilled Worker if you have a degree and lower salary.
Can I get a Blue Card without a degree as an IT specialist?
Yes, from 2026: 3 years relevant IT experience in the last 7 years, €45,630 salary, and evidence of theoretical knowledge (e.g. certs, training).
Section 19c vs Blue Card for IT?
Section 19c: 2 years exp, no degree, 5 years to PR. Blue Card: 3 years exp (or degree), same salary, 21 or 33 months to PR with B1 or A1.
Do I need German for the initial IT visa?
No. All three options allow the initial visa without German. You need B1 (or A1 for Blue Card 33-month track) for permanent residency.
What salary do I need?
Section 19c and Blue Card (IT): €45,630 gross/year (2026). Blue Card (general): €50,700. Skilled Worker: lower; check official sources.
Can I switch from Section 19c to Blue Card?
Yes, if you meet Blue Card conditions (e.g. 3 years IT experience or degree + salary). Then you can use the 21- or 33-month PR track.
Official Sources
Only government and official institutional sources. Use these for current rules and salary thresholds.
Last checked: February 2026. Salary thresholds are updated annually; confirm before applying.
Next Steps
Check which visa you qualify for (degree, experience, salary). Compare Section 19c, Blue Card, and Skilled Worker. Find a job that meets the threshold, gather documents, and apply via the Consular Services Portal. Start learning German so you’re ready for PR (B1 or A1 for Blue Card 33-month).
More: Section 19c IT Visa (2026), EU Blue Card Timeline (2026), Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language (2026), B1: 21 vs 33 Months (2026), Leben in Deutschland (2026).
