IT workers are a particularly sought-after group on the German labor market due to the high demand for skilled workers in the digital economy. The Skilled Immigration Act therefore offers special visa options to facilitate access for these skilled workers and to speed up entry and employment.
One of the most important visa options for IT workers is the visa for skilled workers with professional experience. IT specialists can apply for this visa without their foreign qualifications having to be formally recognized. The decisive factor is proof of relevant professional experience in the IT sector, which should generally be at least two years. This regulation is particularly advantageous for IT specialists whose qualifications were acquired in their home country and who wish to work directly in Germany. See also Visa for qualified employment
In addition to professional experience, IT specialists must also have a job offer in Germany. The minimum annual salary is currently around 40,770 euros, unless the employer is bound by collective agreements and can offer a lower salary. This salary threshold ensures that skilled workers earn a sufficient income to secure their livelihood in Germany.
Another important feature is the possibility for IT specialists with particularly high qualifications and professional experience to forego formal recognition of their qualifications. This shortens the process considerably and enables them to take up work more quickly. See also EU Blue Card
IT workers also benefit from the so-called recognition partnership. In this model, employers and employees can agree that the recognition procedure will be carried out after entry into Germany. This means that IT specialists can work immediately while the formal recognition of their qualifications takes place in parallel.
In addition, IT specialists can come to Germany with the opportunity card to look for a suitable job locally. The opportunity card is based on a points system that evaluates qualifications, professional experience, language skills and age.
For companies, recruiting IT specialists from abroad offers a solution to the skills shortage in the technology sector. By facilitating visa options, companies can access qualified IT experts quickly and flexibly without having to wait for lengthy recognition procedures.