What is the German §19c IT visa and who is it for
The §19c visa is for information technology (IT) professionals to work in Germany without a formal university degree being mandatory. According to the German government’s Make it in Germany portal, applicants with sufficiently strong practical experience in IT can qualify in place of a degree.
This is a valuable pathway for developers, software engineers, cybersecurity specialists and others who are already working but do not hold a degree in the relevant field. The core requirements are relevant IT experience and an employment contract in Germany.
Are you an IT professional without a university degree? Get a free profile assessment so an M2W specialist can check your eligibility for §19c.
- No university degree required — assessed on IT experience
- An employment contract in Germany is required
- A pathway to settlement as a skilled worker
Key requirements for the §19c IT visa
§19c replaces formal qualifications with practical experience — well suited to the nature of the IT industry.
IT experience
In place of a degree
Relevant professional IT experience, usually at least 3 years within the last 7 years.
Employment contract
In Germany
An IT employment contract or job offer in Germany with an appropriate salary.
German A2
May be waived
German is required at A2 level; this may be waived if the salary meets the prescribed threshold.
The §19c IT visa application process
§19c is based on IT experience and an employment contract, bypassing the university degree requirement.
Step 1 — Prove your IT experience
Gather evidence of your professional IT experience (contracts, projects, reference letters) and find a job in Germany.
Step 2 — Submit the §19c application
Submit your application together with your employment contract, evidence of experience and personal documents.
Step 3 — Move to Germany to work
Receive the visa and move to Germany to work; you can sponsor family reunification.
Step 4 — Toward settlement
After the qualifying period of employment, apply for a settlement permit as a skilled worker.
Costs and timeline
§19c costs include: translation/notarization of your experience documents, visa application fees, language courses (if A2 is needed) and service fees. Because it skips the degree recognition step, §19c is usually quick and straightforward for experienced IT professionals. See the cost structure on the pricing page.
Comparing the §19c IT visa and the Blue Card for IT professionals
IT professionals have two options: §19c (based on experience) or the Blue Card (requires a university degree and a high salary).
| §19c ITViewing | Blue Card | |
|---|---|---|
| University degree required | Not required | Required |
| Basis of assessment | IT experience (3–7 years) | University degree + salary |
| Salary threshold | Related to the A2 exemption | €50.700 / €45.934 |
| German language | A2 (may be waived) | Not required at submission |
| Best suited for | IT with extensive experience, no bachelor's degree | IT with a bachelor's degree, high salary |
Frequently asked questions about the §19c IT visa
Is it possible to move to Germany in IT without a bachelor's degree?
Yes. §19c allows IT specialists with sufficient practical experience (typically 3 years within the last 7 years) to work in Germany without requiring a university degree.
Do I need German?
German at level A2 is required. However, it may be waived if the contract salary reaches the prescribed threshold. M2W advises based on your specific case.
How does §19c differ from the Blue Card?
§19c is assessed on IT experience and does not require a university degree; the Blue Card requires a university degree and a salary meeting the threshold. IT professionals can choose whichever route suits them best.
Can family come along?
Yes. Holders of a §19c visa can sponsor their spouse and children to move to Germany under family reunification.
Does §19c lead to settlement?
Yes. After completing the eligible period of legal work, you can apply for residency as a skilled worker. M2W advises on the specific pathway.
An IT professional without a university degree? You can still move to Germany.
§19c opens the door for experienced IT professionals to work and settle in Germany without a university degree. M2W specialists check your eligibility and prepare your experience-based application.
