Section 19c IT Visa: No Language Required (2026)
If you’ve been searching for a way to work in Germany as an IT professional without a degree or a German certificate, this is one of the clearest options. Section 19c (2) IT visa lets you get a residence permit for an IT job with no German language requirement for the initial visa and no university degree—you qualify with at least two years of relevant experience and a salary that meets the threshold. We checked the official rules: here’s what you need and how it works.
TL;DR
Good news for IT folks: For the initial visa you don’t need German. You need: an IT role, at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, and a gross annual salary of at least €45,630 (2026 threshold). No degree required. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency—and that’s when B1 German (and the integration test) come in.
What this means for you
No A1, no B1, no language test for the first permit. You can apply as soon as you have a job offer that meets the salary and you can prove 2 years of IT experience. Use the years in Germany to learn German so you’re ready for B1 when you apply for permanent residency. I’m happy to spell out the details below so you know exactly what to prepare.
What Is Section 19c (2)?
Section 19c (2) of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz) is a track for IT specialists. The law treats IT as a sector where strong practical experience can stand in for a formal degree, and where German isn’t required for the initial permit. The legal basis is AufenthG § 19c, together with the Beschäftigungsverordnung (employment ordinance), which sets the salary and job criteria.
How this fits with other visa types: Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language Requirements (2026).
Who Qualifies? (Role, Experience, Salary)
You must meet three things: an IT role, 2 years of experience, and the salary threshold.
1. IT role
Your job must be clearly IT-related. Typical titles that qualify: software developer/engineer (backend, frontend, full-stack), IT specialist (systems/network admin), data scientist/analyst, DevOps engineer, cybersecurity specialist, IT consultant, technical product manager, QA/test engineer, IT project manager, and similar roles that require IT expertise.
2. Experience: at least 2 years
You need at least 2 years of relevant professional IT experience. It should be work experience (full-time or part-time, sometimes freelance with solid proof), not internships or education. You’ll need to document it with contracts, reference letters, pay slips, or certificates. The experience should match the role you’ll do in Germany and be recent enough to be relevant.
3. Salary: €45,630 gross per year (2026)
Your gross annual salary must be at least €45,630 (2026 threshold)—about €3,802.50 per month. The threshold is updated every year (usually from 1 January); always confirm the current figure on official sites. What usually counts: base salary and regular, guaranteed bonuses. One-off bonuses, benefits, or stock options often don’t. If you’re below the threshold, this specific permit doesn’t apply—same as the IT/shortage EU Blue Card level. More on Blue Card: EU Blue Card Permanent Residency Timeline (2026).
No Language Certificate for the Initial Visa
One of the reasons people search for this route: no German is required for the first permit. No A1, no B1, no language test. Many IT teams work in English, and the law reflects that. You can apply as soon as you have the job and the documents—no language prep first.
Important: After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency, and then you do need B1 German and the “Leben in Deutschland” test. So it’s worth starting German early. B1 and PR: B1: 21 vs 33 Months (2026).
Permanent Residency After 5 Years
With Section 19c IT you typically need 5 years of legal residence and employment (pension contributions), then you can apply for permanent residency. For that you’ll need: B1 German (Goethe, Telc, or ÖSD), the “Leben in Deutschland” integration test, proof you can support yourself, adequate housing, and a clean record. Plan to reach B1 in good time—starting German soon after you arrive makes a real difference.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Professional: Signed employment contract (with salary ≥ €45,630 gross/year), job description, proof of 2+ years IT experience (contracts, references, certificates), CV. Optional but helpful: IT certs, portfolio.
Personal: Valid passport (at least 6 months), biometric photo meeting current rules, health insurance, accommodation proof. Documents not in German or English need certified translations.
How to Apply (Steps)
Get a job offer in Germany that meets the salary and is clearly IT. Confirm you have 2+ years of documented IT experience. Gather contract, experience proof, passport, photo, insurance, accommodation proof, and any other required docs. Apply via the Consular Services Portal: create an account, start the Section 19c IT application, upload everything, pay the fee, submit. Processing often takes 2–4 months. When approved, collect your visa, travel to Germany, do Anmeldung, and apply for your residence permit at the local immigration office.
Mistakes to Avoid
Salary too low: Below €45,630 gross/year and you don’t meet the requirement. Too little experience: You need a full 2 years of relevant, documented IT work. Role not IT: The job must be clearly IT-related. Incomplete docs: Missing or poorly translated documents slow things down. Ignoring B1: Start learning German early so you’re ready for permanent residency.
Section 19c IT vs Other Options (Quick Compare)
| Visa type |
Language (initial) |
Degree |
Experience |
Salary (2026) |
Path to PR |
| Section 19c IT |
None |
No |
2 years |
€45,630 |
5 years |
| EU Blue Card |
None |
Yes (or 3 yrs IT) |
3 yrs if no degree |
€45,630 (IT) / €50,700 (general) |
21 or 33 months (with B1/A1) |
| Skilled worker |
None (initial) |
Yes (recognised) |
Varies |
Varies |
5 years |
| German uni graduate |
None (initial) |
Yes (German degree) |
2 yrs employment |
Varies |
2 years (fastest) |
Full picture: Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language (2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need German for Section 19c IT visa?
Not for the initial visa. You’ll need B1 for permanent residency after 5 years, so it’s smart to start learning once you’re here.
What’s the 2026 salary threshold?
€45,630 gross per year (about €3,802.50/month). Check official sources each year—it’s updated annually.
Do I need a degree?
No. This permit is experience-based: 2 years of relevant IT work, no degree required.
How much experience do I need?
At least 2 years of relevant IT work, documented with contracts, references, or similar.
Can I get permanent residency?
Yes, after 5 years, with B1, the integration test, 5 years of contributions, and the other usual conditions.
What if my salary is below €45,630?
You don’t qualify for this specific permit. You’d need a higher offer or to look at other visa types (e.g. standard skilled worker, if you have a recognised degree).
Official Sources
Last checked: February 2026. Salary thresholds are updated yearly—confirm the current amount before you apply.
Next Steps
If this is the route for you: confirm you have 2+ years of IT experience and a job offer at or above the threshold. Gather your documents (contract, experience proof, passport, photo, insurance, accommodation). Apply via the Consular Services Portal and track your application. Once you’re in Germany, start German early so you’re ready for B1 and the integration test when you apply for permanent residency.
More: Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language (2026), B1: 21 vs 33 Months (2026), EU Blue Card Timeline (2026), Leben in Deutschland (2026).
