Complete Guide to Germany Blue Collar Visa Requirements 2025

Germany’s labor market urgently needs blue-collar workers, with the Skilled Immigration Act of 2023 and 2025 updates easing entry for non-EU professionals in trades, crafts, and services. Below is a concise breakdown of the requirements for key blue-collar visa types: Skilled Worker Visa, Opportunity Card, EU Blue Card, and Professionally Experienced Worker Visa.

Skilled Worker Visa (Section 18a/18b Residence Act)

For qualified employment in vocational fields.

• Qualifications: Minimum two-year vocational training recognized by IHK or ZAB; equivalent to German standards.
• Job Offer: Required from a German employer; must match skill level unless in unregulated profession.
• Salary: Minimum €43,470 annually for shortage occupations (e.g., electricians, plumbers); higher for regulated roles.
• Language: Not mandatory but A1–B1 German recommended for integration.
• Financial Proof: Blocked account with €11,904 or employer-guaranteed living expenses.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory German or equivalent coverage.
• Other: BA approval needed; valid up to four years.

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

A points-based job-seeker visa allowing one year to find work.

• Qualifications: Vocational training (two years minimum) or university degree recognized in Germany.
• Points System: Minimum 6 points from:
  • Recognized qualification (up to 4 points).
  • German (A1–B1, up to 3 points) or English (B2, 1 point).
  • Two+ years’ experience (up to 3 points).
  • Age under 35 (up to 2 points).
  • Ties to Germany or partner potential (up to 1 point each).
• Financial Proof: Blocked account with €11,904 for one year (€992/month).
• Health Insurance: Mandatory German or equivalent coverage.
• Work Allowance: Up to 20 hours/week part-time or trial jobs.
• Other: No job offer required; extendable to two years if job found.

EU Blue Card

For highly skilled blue-collar roles in shortage occupations (e.g., nursing, manufacturing).

• Qualifications: Vocational training or degree equivalent to German standards; regulated professions need practice license.
• Job Offer: Required; must meet salary threshold.
• Salary: €48,300 annually; €43,759.80 for shortage roles (e.g., healthcare aides, construction managers).
• Language: Not required but A1–B1 German aids integration.
• Financial Proof: Usually covered by job offer; otherwise, €11,904 in blocked account.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory German or equivalent coverage.
• Other: Valid up to four years; faster residency path (21 months with B1 German).

Professionally Experienced Worker Visa

For experienced workers in non-regulated professions.

• Experience: Two+ years in last five years; three years for IT specialists.
• Qualifications: No formal recognition needed if job offer meets salary threshold.
• Job Offer: Required; minimum €43,470 annually for shortage roles.
• Language: Not mandatory; A1–B1 German recommended.
• Financial Proof: Blocked account (€11,904) or employer guarantee.
• Health Insurance: Mandatory German or equivalent coverage.
• Other: BA approval required; ideal for trades like logistics or manufacturing.

Additional Requirements

• Age: Over 45 requires €53,130 annual salary or pension proof (all visas except Opportunity Card).
• Application Documents: Valid passport, biometric photo, job contract (if applicable), qualification certificates, language proof, financial statements.
• Recognition Process: Foreign qualifications assessed via Anabin/ZAB; unregulated roles may skip full recognition with job offer.
• Family Reunification: Allowed post-approval; no space/livelihood proof for EU Blue Card families.

Disclaimer:

Immigration laws and policies change frequently and may vary by country or nationality. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend doing your own due diligence or consulting official sources. You're also welcome to contact us directly for the latest guidance. Jobbatical is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.