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Which German residence permit fits you?

Answer a few questions about your nationality, qualification and job offer. We rank the residence routes that fit you and show the next step for each.

Last checked: 2026-10-19

Are you a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein?
Are you a citizen of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia?
Do you have a job offer from a company in Germany?
Is your spouse, or a parent if you are a minor, German or living in Germany?
Do you want to study or do vocational training (Ausbildung) in Germany?

How it decides

It compares your answers with the main German routes: the EU Blue Card (salary €50,700 a year, or €45,934 for shortage occupations and recent graduates), the skilled worker permit, the recognition partnership, the Opportunity Card, the Western Balkans regulation, family reunification and study, and ranks them strongest first.

Recognition comes first

Getting your qualification recognised in Germany opens most doors. Degrees are checked in the anabin database or by the ZAB; vocational qualifications by the authority for your profession. Without recognition, the recognition partnership or the Opportunity Card remain.

Frequently asked questions

Is the result an official decision?

No. It is a first orientation; the embassy and immigration office decide. The official Make it in Germany Quick-Check gives more detail.

Which countries are in the Western Balkans regulation?

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Their citizens can get a work permit with any job offer, within a quota of 50,000 approvals a year.

Do I need German?

Not for every route. The Blue Card does not require German, the recognition partnership needs A2, spouses usually need A1, and German speeds up permanent residence and citizenship.

Are my answers saved?

No. Everything runs in your browser.

A first orientation, not legal advice; the embassy and immigration office decide.