Visa and work language requirements

General information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the official source or your Ausländerbehörde.

• ChancenkarteA one-year job-search visa. You need a qualification and German A1 or English B2, then 6 points.
• Blue CardThe Blue Card itself needs no German. German decides how soon you can settle.
• Skilled worker visaMost skilled worker visas need no German to start. B1 opens the settlement permit after 3 years.
• Permanent residencePermanent residence. The route and the German level depend on the permit you hold now.
• CitizenshipGerman citizenship after 5 years of residence, with B1 German and the naturalisation test.
• NursingWorking as a registered nurse needs recognition of your training, including German.
• DoctorDoctors need general German and a medical language exam (Fachsprachprüfung).
• Family (spouse)Spouses usually show basic German before entry. Many spouses are exempt.