Germany Qualified Employment Permit Guide 2026

Qualified Employment Permits enable non-EEA nationals to legally work and fill skill shortages across Germany’s industries, based on their education, training, or experience.
There are four main QEP categories: Skilled Worker with an Academic Degree, Skilled Worker with Vocational Training, Experienced Employee, and Lead Position/Company Specialist.
Each QEP type has distinct eligibility criteria, including qualification recognition (via Anabin or ZAB), relevant job offers, salary thresholds, and—where necessary—German language or licensing requirements.
Choosing the right permit depends on an applicant’s educational background, job level, and professional experience, ensuring alignment with German labor laws and employment standards.

Qualified Employment Permits in Germany are essential for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals seeking to work in the country. These permits cater to skilled workers, experienced professionals, and specialists, enabling them to contribute to Germany’s economy by filling skill shortages in various sectors. Germany offers different types of permits depending on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and job role.

This article will explain the concept of Qualified Employment Permits and provide a detailed comparison of their subtypes.

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Types of Qualified Employment Permits in Germany (QEP)

1. QEP for Skilled Worker with an Academic Degree

This category is designed for professionals with a recognized university degree who wish to work in Germany. Key requirements include:

Recognized Academic Degree: Your degree must be comparable to a German university degree, verified via the Anabin database.
Job Offer: You need a job offer requiring your academic qualification.
Income Threshold: A high annual gross salary is mandatory, with thresholds updated annually (e.g., €55,770 for workers over 45 years old in 2026).
Regulated Professions: If your profession is regulated (e.g., doctors, engineers), you must obtain a license before applying for a residence permit

2. QEP for Skilled Worker with Vocational Training

This permit is tailored for individuals with vocational training qualifications. Key aspects include:

Vocational Qualification: At least two years of formal training recognized in Germany.
Job Offer: The position must require vocational training and cannot be for auxiliary tasks.
Salary Requirements: A minimum gross annual salary may apply (e.g., €45,934 in 2026).
Recognition Process: Qualifications must be recognized by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).

3. QEP for Experienced Employee (IT/non-IT)

This visa targets professionals with significant work experience, particularly in non-regulated professions like IT, marketing, or finance. Key conditions include:

Work Experience: At least two years of professional experience in the last five years.
Qualifications: A recognized academic or vocational qualification.
Salary Thresholds: For IT specialists, thresholds are lower (€45,934 in 2026), and a university degree is not mandatory.
Language Skills: B1 German level may be required but can be waived for IT roles.

4. QEP for Lead Positions/Company Specialist

This permit applies to individuals hired for senior or specialized roles within companies. Requirements include:

Key Expertise: Applicants must hold executive or specialist positions critical to the company’s operations.
Salary Thresholds: The salary must meet Blue Card standards and align with regional averages for similar roles (e.g., €50,700 in 2026).
Employer Support: Companies often provide justification letters explaining why the applicant is essential for the role.

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Key Differences Between Permit Types (QEP)

Here’s a comparison table to summarize the differences between these permits:

Requirements	Skilled Worker with Academic Degree	Skilled Worker with Vocational Training	Experienced Employee (IT / Non-IT)	Lead Positions / Company Specialist
Job Contract / Offer	Required	Required	Required	Required
University / Training Institution Degree	Required	Required	Not Required	Not Required
Relevant Work Experience	Not Required	Not Required	Minimum 2 years in the last 5 years	Extensive experience (assessed individually)
Anabin Degree or ZAB Recognition	Required	Recognition only	Not Required	Not Required
Job Description Fits Qualification	Job description fits the degree	Not Required	Job description fits the experience	Job description fits the experience
Minimum Salary (2026)	€50,700/year (standard); €55,770 for applicants over 45 or as per regional threshold set by the Federal Employment Agency	€45,934/year or 45% of the annual contribution assessment threshold for general pension insurance	€45,934/year (IT/shortage) or according to regional threshold estimated by the Federal Employment Agency	€50,700/year or according to regional threshold estimated by the Federal Employment Agency
Federal Employment Agency Approval	Required	Required	Required	Required
First Permit Duration	Up to 4 years (exceptions may apply)	Up to 4 years (exceptions may apply)	Up to 3 years (exceptions may apply)	Up to 2 years (exceptions may apply)
Family Reunification	Possible	Possible	Possible	Possible
Unlimited Residence Permit	After 3 years + B1 German	After 3 years + B1 German	After 5 years + B1 German	After 5 years + B1 German
EU Long-Term Residence Permit	After 5 years + B1 German	After 5 years + B1 German	After 5 years + B1 German	After 5 years + B1 German

‍*Length depends on employment agency approval, job contract, and passport validity

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Conclusion

Germany’s Qualified Employment Permits provide pathways for skilled workers and professionals from outside the EEA to contribute effectively to its economy. Each permit type caters to specific qualifications and career paths whether academic degrees, vocational training, or extensive work experience. By understanding these permits’ requirements and benefits, applicants can better navigate their journey toward employment and residency in Germany.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Qualified Employment Permit (QEP), and who is it for?

The Qualified Employment Permit (QEP) is a German work and residence permit designed for non-EEA skilled professionals to help address Germany’s labor shortages. It is suitable for individuals with recognized university degrees, completed vocational training, professionals with at least two years of relevant work experience (particularly in IT), and candidates applying for senior or lead-level positions.

What are the salary requirements for different QEP types in 2026?

In 2026, salary requirements for QEPs depend on the applicant category. For skilled workers with an academic degree, the minimum gross annual salary is €50,700. Applicants aged over 45 must generally meet a higher threshold of approximately €55,770 per year or provide proof of adequate pension provision. Salary requirements may vary slightly depending on role, region, and Federal Employment Agency approval.

How do I get my foreign qualifications recognized for a QEP?

Academic degrees must be checked through the Anabin database to confirm German equivalence. For vocational qualifications of at least two years, recognition is usually obtained through the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). In cases involving experienced professionals or senior roles, formal recognition may not be required if the job clearly matches the applicant’s professional experience and skills.

What is the initial duration of a QEP, and can I bring my family?

The initial validity of a Qualified Employment Permit depends on the category. Academic and vocational permits are typically issued for up to four years, experienced employee permits for up to three years, and lead or senior roles for up to two years. The duration may be shorter if linked to the employment contract or passport validity. Family reunification is permitted for all QEP types. Permanent residence is generally possible after three to five years with B1 German language skills, while EU long-term residence may be obtained after five years with B1 German.

What are the key differences between QEP for Experienced Employees and Skilled Workers with Academic Degrees?

The QEP for Experienced Employees focuses on practical work experience and requires at least two years of relevant professional experience, with no formal university degree required in many cases, especially for IT roles. It is typically issued for an initial period of up to three years. In contrast, the QEP for Skilled Workers with Academic Degrees requires a recognized university degree and a job closely related to the qualification, with an initial validity of up to four years. Both permit types require a binding job offer and approval from the Federal Employment Agency.