Legal Entity / Entrepreneur Residence (Cross‑border Business Talent Immigration Route)

Suitable for entrepreneurs engaged in China-Germany cross-border trade, cross-border services and scientific and technological innovation, who apply for residence as a German legal entity.

Core requirements Submit a complete and viable business plan, have sufficient operating capital for the enterprise, and maintain genuine and sustainable China-Germany cross-border business activities.

Residence and permanent residence rules The initial residence permit is valid for 2 years. It can be renewed normally provided the enterprise maintains stable business and compliant operation. After 5 consecutive years of compliant operation, tax payment and residence in Germany, applicants may apply for a German permanent residence permit if they meet the German language and pension insurance requirements.

Professional Qualification Recognition Visa §16d (Qualification Upskilling Admission Route)

Designed for regulated professions in Germany such as doctors, nurses, engineers and electricians. It targets skilled professionals whose Chinese vocational qualifications have minor gaps against German standards and are not eligible for direct recognition for employment.

Core entitlements and rules The initial residence permit is valid for 24 months and may be extended for a maximum duration up to 3 years. During the residence period, part‑time work of up to 20 hours per week is permitted. There is no working‑hour limit for practical work relevant to the applicant’s profession. After completing supplementary qualification training in Germany and passing the official practical assessment to obtain the German professional license, the permit can be converted directly into a formal §18a Skilled Worker Visa with full residence rights.

Opportunity Card §20a (No Offer Job Search · Points-Based Route)

This policy officially took effect in June 2024, with detailed rules optimized in 2026. It is currently Germany’s only talent immigration route that allows applicants to enter Germany for job hunting directly without a prior job offer from an employer, offering a high degree of flexibility.

Core application rules Applicants are eligible with a total score of ≥ 6 points and must meet one of the two language requirements: German A2 or English B2.

Point scoring criteria

1. Academic degree / recognized vocational qualification: up to 4 points
2. German language proficiency: 3 points for B1, 4 points for B2; maximum 4 points
3. Work experience: 2 points for 2+ years of relevant experience within the past 5 years, 3 points for 5+ years; maximum 3 points
4. Age: 2 points for under 35, 1 point for 35–40; maximum 2 points
5. Previous stay in Germany: 1 point for prior residence of more than 6 months
6. Family connection: 1 point if the spouse resides in Germany

Residence entitlements A 12‑month short‑term job‑seeking residence permit will be issued upon approval and can be renewed once. During the validity period, holders may legally work up to 20 hours per week and attend trial work placements and interviews. After securing a full‑time permanent position, holders can switch directly to an EU Blue Card or standard Skilled Worker Visa for long‑term legal residence status.

Standard Skilled Worker Visa §18a / §18b (Mainstream General Route)

This route covers two categories: blue‑collar skilled workers and white‑collar employees with academic qualifications. Its salary threshold is far lower than that of the EU Blue Card, making it suitable for most technical and administrative talents seeking employment in Germany, with the broadest applicant pool.

§18a Vocational Skilled Worker Visa (Blue‑Collar Talents) Target applicants: blue‑collar specialists holding formal vocational qualifications of at least two years, such as electricians, vehicle mechanics, CNC operators, nurses, chefs and heavy‑goods vehicle drivers.

Core requirements The Chinese vocational certificate must receive official German equivalence recognition. Applicants need a formal job offer from a German employer, and the salary shall meet the relevant German industry standard (no need to reach the high salary threshold for the EU Blue Card). Priority labour market check can be waived for shortage occupations; there is no requirement to prove that no German citizen is available for the position.

§18b Academic Skilled Worker Visa (Bachelor’s degree or above, non‑high‑salary white‑collar) Target applicants: administrative staff, technical clerks and general technical professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, while the offered salary does not meet the EU Blue Card criteria.

Permanent residence rules After 5 consecutive years of lawful and compliant residence, with a German B1 certificate and complete pension insurance contributions, applicants are eligible to apply for a German permanent residence permit.

EU Blue Card §18g (High-End Talent · Fastest PR Route)

Positioning: For high‑educated elite professionals with a bachelor’s degree or above, suitable for high‑end positions in IT, engineering, healthcare, scientific research and other fields. It is Germany’s talent immigration track with the fastest path to permanent residence and the most favourable benefits.

Mandatory eligibility criteria for 2026

1. Degree requirement: Full‑time bachelor’s degree or higher obtained in China. The degree must be verified for equivalence by ZAB / ANAB in Germany. There is a special exception for IT specialists: a bachelor’s degree is not mandatory; 2 years of full‑time relevant work experience can substitute the degree requirement (the new policy reduces the requirement from the previous 3 years).
2. Gross annual salary threshold: €50,700 per year for regular professions; €45,934.2 per year for shortage occupations (IT, electrical & mechanical engineering, healthcare, construction, mathematics and natural sciences). Graduates within 3 years of graduation follow the salary standard for shortage occupations.
3. Employment requirement: A formal employment contract with a German employer for a term of no less than 6 months. The position must be closely aligned with the applicant’s academic background and professional experience.
4. Language requirement: No mandatory German requirement at the visa application stage; work can be conducted entirely in English. A relevant German language certificate will be required when applying for permanent residence.

Core residence and permanent residence entitlements After obtaining the EU Blue Card, holders may freely switch industries and employers within Germany. The new policy has abolished the traditional position‑binding restriction. The permanent residence route is streamlined. With a German B1 certificate and 21 months of tax and pension contributions, you can apply directly for a German permanent residence permit. If you do not hold a German B1 certificate, you become eligible after 33 months of compliant residence, tax filing and pension payments. Family reunification is available. Spouses are allowed full‑time employment upon entry. Minor children have access to free German public education and statutory health insurance.