GERMANY · VISA ROUTE CHECK

Germany Work Visa Route Self-Check

This form helps you choose a practical route based on your offer status, recognition, experience, language, and salary. It is an early planning tool, not a final decision.

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This self-check screens your situation step by step and suggests Germany work-visa routes that may fit better.

Note: this is route planning guidance only and does not replace the final judgment of consulates or German authorities.

Step 1

Do you already have a formal job offer or contract from a German employer?

Without a contract, the Opportunity Card may still let you enter Germany first to look for work.
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Step 2

Which timing do you prefer right now?

Both can be planned, but the preparation focus is different.
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Step 3

Is this an internal cross-border transfer within the same group or company?

If yes, the ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) structure is usually considered first.
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Step 4

Which option best describes your highest qualification?

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Step 5

Is your academic or vocational qualification recognized or comparable in Germany? ?

University degrees are often checked through Anabin / ZAB; vocational qualifications often go through IHK/HWK or similar recognition paths.
Choosing "not sure" is fine; the result will remind you to verify this first.
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Step 6

What is your approximate German level?

Special routes such as placement agreement or qualification analysis often refer to an A2 threshold.
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Step 7

How much relevant work experience do you have in the last 5 years?

Work-experience routes usually look for at least 2 years of relevant experience within the last 5 years.
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Step 8

Can you provide proof of work experience, such as employment certificates, social insurance records, references, or project proof?

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Step 9

Is your target role in IT, software, or development?

Some work-experience rules are more flexible for IT, but the employer and approval review still matter.
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Step 10

What is the annual gross salary in your contract, in euros?

Blue Card and work-experience routes may use minimum salary thresholds that change by year.
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Step 11

Blue Card minimum annual salary threshold (reference value; adjust to the official figure for the year)

You can keep the default value for an initial screening.
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Step 12

Have you received, or can your employer apply for, approval from the German Federal Employment Agency (BA)?

Placement-agreement routes usually require BA approval.
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Final step

Do you already have a decision and invitation from the competent German recognition authority requiring qualification analysis? ?

Qualification analysis is often used when standard recognition cannot conclude because documents or information are missing. It uses practical tasks or interviews to assess professional ability, usually with authority approval and an invitation. German at A2 or above is commonly expected.
Result

Recommended result

Routes with stronger matches or clearer thresholds appear first, with key items you may need to complete or verify.

Form Q&A

Can I use this without a job offer?
Yes. The result will usually lean toward Opportunity Card or pre-qualification steps first.
Is the result equal to official approval?
No. It is a route suggestion. Final approval is decided by the competent authority.
What salary threshold should I input for Blue Card?
Use the official threshold for your target year. The default is only for quick estimation.
What does “qualification analysis invitation” mean?
It usually applies when standard recognition cannot conclude directly and the authority issues a further assessment path.
Can I still plan if I had a previous refusal?
Yes. You should address the refusal reason and prepare stronger supporting files before reapplying.