Germany will allow some IT specialists without university degrees to apply for an EU Blue Card if they can prove they have at least three years of comparable professional experience.
The change gives experienced technology workers another route to the German work and residence permit. Applicants must still meet a salary requirement, with the lower threshold for shortage occupations applying to this group.
How the new route works
Under the updated rules, relevant work experience can take the place of a university qualification for IT professionals seeking an EU Blue Card.
The German government confirmed the change through official channels, with the relevant text stating:
”IT specialists: Another change is that IT specialists are now able to obtain an EU Blue Card if they do not have a university degree but can prove that they have at least three years of comparable professional experience. In this case, the lower salary threshold for shortage occupations applies (45.3% of the annual assessment ceiling).”
The qualifying applicants will be assessed against a salary threshold set at 45.3% of the annual assessment ceiling, rather than the standard threshold for degree holders.
The German government’s guidance says IT specialists without a university degree can qualify if they demonstrate at least three years of comparable professional experience.
What it means for experienced IT workers
The change may offer an option for technology professionals who have built their skills through work but do not have a degree. The source identifies software development, cybersecurity and data analysis among the relevant fields.
Applicants will need to provide evidence of at least three years’ experience in a comparable role and satisfy the applicable salary requirement.
