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Visas and relocation: Germany

EU Blue Card, skilled employment, job seeking, university study, vocational training and family reunification.

Official portal

Federal Government of Germany · Make it in Germany

EU Blue Card

A residence permit for university graduates and comparable qualifications who hold a suitable job offer. In 2026 the general salary threshold is €50,700 gross per year, and €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and recent graduates where the required approvals are in place.

Who it is for

A German or comparable foreign degree, or a suitable IT qualification
A skilled job offer for at least six months
The job matches the qualification and the salary meets the applicable 2026 threshold

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Skilled employment

For a professional with recognised vocational training or a comparable degree and a specific skilled job.

Who it is for

A recognised or comparable qualification
A specific offer of skilled employment
For a regulated profession — permission to practise it

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Opportunity Card — job seeking

The Opportunity Card is issued for up to 12 months initially. It is open to recognised professionals or through the points system; in 2026 you must prove funding of €1,091 per month, taking permitted income into account.

Who it is for

A qualification recognised in Germany, or meeting the basic conditions of the points system
For the points route — German from A1 or English from B2, plus the required number of points
Proven funds for the whole job-seeking period

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

University study

For students admitted to a recognised higher education institution. In 2026 the standard proof of funding is €11,904 per year; the language requirement is set by the programme.

Who it is for

Admission to a recognised university on a suitable programme
Funding through a blocked account, a scholarship or a sponsor's undertaking
Command of the language of instruction at the level the university requires

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Ausbildung vocational training

For dual or school-based vocational training. German at B1 or above is usually required, along with proof of a training place and funds.

Who it is for

A specific vocational training place
German from B1 as a rule
Sufficient training pay, or funds covering the difference

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

Family reunification

For spouses, minor children and other categories provided for by law. The exact set depends on citizenship and the sponsor's status; a language certificate is usually not required for the spouse of a skilled worker.

Who it is for

Documented family relationship
A valid status held by the sponsor
The other parent's consent and custody documents — where applicable

5 documents 4 steps

Documents and application steps

For your citizenship

What citizens of Russia and Kazakhstan need

The baseline document list is the same for everyone, but the visa regime, legalisation and translations depend on your citizenship. Below are the differences, checked against official sources.

Russia

checked 04.08.2026

A Schengen visa is required; the facilitated regime does not apply

The EU–Russia visa facilitation agreement has been suspended in full since 12 September 2022, so the general Visa Code rules apply: the full document set, the standard fee and ordinary processing times. Book at the consulate of your main destination.

Council Decision (EU) 2022/1500

Prepare at home in advance

Police clearance certificate from the Russian Interior Ministry
Ordered through Gosuslugi or the Interior Ministry; issuance takes up to 30 days. Filing abroad usually requires an apostille and a sworn translation.
Russian Interior Ministry · criminal record certificate
Apostille on official documents
Civil registry certificates, official statements and diplomas are accepted abroad only with an apostille affixed in the issuing country. It goes on the original or a notarised copy, depending on the authority's rules.
Apostille in Russia · Ministry of Justice and the relevant authorities
Sworn translation of documents
Consulates accept translations made by a sworn translator of the destination country or certified in the manner it prescribes. Requirements differ by country — check them before ordering.
EU Visa Code

Multiple-entry visas for Russian citizens are currently issued sparingly: each application is decided by the individual Schengen state. Plan for a single-entry visa and check the consulate's practice before paying any fees.

Kazakhstan

checked 04.08.2026

A Schengen visa is required under the general rules

There is no separate visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan yet: the general Visa Code rules apply. Negotiations are under way, but until an agreement enters into force there are no concessions.

EU Visa Code

Prepare at home in advance

Police clearance certificate from Kazakhstan
Issued through eGov.kz or a public service centre. Filing abroad usually requires an apostille and a translation by a sworn translator of the destination country.
eGov.kz · criminal record information
Apostille on official documents
Civil registry certificates, official statements and diplomas are accepted abroad only with an apostille affixed in the issuing country. It goes on the original or a notarised copy, depending on the authority's rules.
Apostille in Kazakhstan · eGov.kz
Sworn translation of documents
Consulates accept translations made by a sworn translator of the destination country or certified in the manner it prescribes. Requirements differ by country — check them before ordering.
EU Visa Code

Belarus

checked 13.08.2026

A Schengen visa is required; visa facilitation still applies

The EU — Belarus visa facilitation agreement has been in force since 1 July 2020. In November 2021 the Council of the EU partially suspended it: the provisions on documentary evidence, multiple-entry visas and the reduced fee stopped applying to officials of the Belarusian regime. The decision does not affect ordinary citizens, who keep the benefits of the agreement.

Council of the EU · suspension of visa facilitation for officials

Prepare at home in advance

Apostille on official documents
Civil registry certificates, official statements, diplomas and court documents are accepted abroad with an apostille issued in Belarus. The competent authority depends on the type of document — check it before ordering a translation.
Hague Apostille Convention · status table
Sworn translation of documents
Consulates accept translations made by a sworn translator of the destination country or certified in the manner it prescribes. Requirements differ by country — check them before ordering.
EU Visa Code

Mark what you are missing

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