---
title: "Germany Experienced professional permit: €45.6k+/yr needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/experienced-professional-19c2/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Germany · Work

# Germany Experienced professional permit

**Income needed:** €46k+ a year ≈ $51k

Residence permit for experienced professionals (section 19c(2) AufenthG with section 6 BeschV)

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Income needed:** €46k+ a year ≈ $51k (Income of at least EUR 45,630 a year (≈ $51,000) · Minimum gross salary: 45% of the 2026 pension-insurance contribution ceiling of EUR101,400 (section 6 BeschV; ceiling in the 2026 Social Insurance Reference Values Ordinance). Does not apply if the employer is bound by a collective agreement and applies it. The EUR figure is calculated from the statutory percentage and the published ceiling. A fee of EUR 100 (≈ $110) · Fee for issuing the residence permit, regardless of validity. A fee of EUR 75 (≈ $84) · Fee for the national visa (category D), including multiple entries.)
- **First stay:** 4 yrs (Issued for four years, or for the length of the employment contract plus six months if that is shorter (never more than four years).)
- **Who can apply:** Most passports (Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.)
- **Spouse work:** Can work (The spouse can join if the marriage existed when the permit was issued and the stay will exceed one year; proof of simple German (A1) is waived. Minor unmarried children can join under section 32. Your spouse or partner may work in Germany without a separate permit.)

## Key facts

Experienced professional permit is a work route for Germany. Applicants need income of €46k+ a year ≈ $51k. You can stay 4 yrs, renewable. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** €46k+ a year ≈ $51k
- **Government fees:** €100 ≈ $110 · €75 ≈ $84
- **First stay:** 4 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fees €175 ≈ $200 in total (2 fees); income to show €46k+/yr ≈ $51k. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: €100 ≈ $110 · €75 ≈ $84**

- EUR 100 (≈ $110) Fee for issuing the residence permit, regardless of validity.
- EUR 75 (≈ $84) Fee for the national visa (category D), including multiple entries.

**Shown, not spent: €46k+/yr ≈ $51k**

- EUR 45,630 a year (≈ $51,000) Minimum gross salary: 45% of the 2026 pension-insurance contribution ceiling of EUR101,400 (≈ $113,000) (section 6 BeschV; ceiling in the 2026 Social Insurance Reference Values Ordinance). Does not apply if the employer is bound by a collective agreement and applies it. The EUR figure is calculated from the statutory percentage and the published ceiling.

**Renewal: Renewable**

Issued for four years, or the contract length plus six months if shorter; it can be extended while the conditions are met.

[Federal Ministry of Justice](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/beschv_2013/__6.html)

**Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence**

A settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) needs 5 years on a residence permit, secured livelihood, 60 months of pension contributions, German at level B1 and knowledge of the legal order.

[Federal Ministry of Justice](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__9.html)

**Citizenship: After 5 years of residence**

Naturalisation needs 5 years of lawful habitual residence, secured livelihood, German at level B1 and a commitment to the democratic order.

[Federal Ministry of Justice](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stag/__10.html)

**Where to apply: From abroad**

Apply for a national visa at the German mission abroad; nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the UK and the US can enter visa-free and apply in Germany within 90 days.

[Federal Ministry of Justice](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/beschv_2013/__6.html) [Bundesministerium der Justiz / gesetze-im-internet.de](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__41.html)

**Presence rules: Stay rule**

The residence permit expires if you leave Germany and do not return within six months, unless the authority sets a longer period.

[Federal Ministry of Justice](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__51.html)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Applications are made from outside Germany, not after arriving
- Needs a job offer from an employer in Germany
- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The applicant is a third-country national.
- At least two years of relevant professional experience gained in the last five years that qualifies the person for the job.
- A state-recognised foreign vocational qualification of at least two years, a recognised foreign degree, or a chamber-issued vocational diploma.
- The qualification requirement is waived for occupations in information and communications technology.

#### What you must show

- Salary of at least EUR45,630 (≈ $51,000) per year in 2026 (45% of the pension-insurance contribution ceiling).
- This does not apply if the employer is bound by a collective agreement and applies it.

#### Documents

- A job offer paying that salary, or covered by a collective agreement at the employer.

#### Steps

1. Federal Employment Agency approval is part of the process.

## When you become tax resident

How Germany decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **Up to 4 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** A continuous stay of more than six months counts as habitual abode from the start (section 9 AO), unless it is solely for a visit, recreation, cure or similar private purpose and lasts no longer than one year; a dwelling kept available for use creates a domicile (section 8 AO).
- **Foreign-source income:** Residents are taxed on worldwide income.

[All tax rules for Germany](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026

**Full official text**

Permit for a qualified job for people with at least two years of relevant experience gained in the last five years and a recognised foreign qualification (vocational of two years or more, or a degree); the qualification requirement does not apply to ICT occupations. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least EUR 45,630 a year (≈ $51,000) · Minimum gross salary: 45% of the 2026 pension-insurance contribution ceiling of EUR101,400 (≈ $113,000) (section 6 BeschV; ceiling in the 2026 Social Insurance Reference Values Ordinance). Does not apply if the employer is bound by a collective agreement and applies it. The EUR figure is calculated from the statutory percentage and the published ceiling. (sources 2, 9)
- A fee of EUR 100 (≈ $110) · Fee for issuing the residence permit, regardless of validity. (source 10)
- A fee of EUR 75 (≈ $84) · Fee for the national visa (category D), including multiple entries. (source 11)

#### Requirements

- The applicant is a third-country national. (sources 1, 2, 3)
- At least two years of relevant professional experience gained in the last five years that qualifies the person for the job. (source 2)
- A state-recognised foreign vocational qualification of at least two years, a recognised foreign degree, or a chamber-issued vocational diploma. (source 2)
- The qualification requirement is waived for occupations in information and communications technology. (source 2)
- Salary of at least EUR45,630 (≈ $51,000) per year in 2026 (45% of the pension-insurance contribution ceiling). (sources 2, 9)
- This does not apply if the employer is bound by a collective agreement and applies it. (sources 1, 2, 3)
- A job offer paying that salary, or covered by a collective agreement at the employer. (sources 2, 3)
- Federal Employment Agency approval is part of the process. (sources 2, 3)

#### Stay

- Issued for four years, or for the length of the employment contract plus six months if that is shorter (never more than four years).
- First stay: up to 48 months, decided case by case.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

#### Work

Qualified employment with the sponsoring employer.

#### Family

The spouse can join if the marriage existed when the permit was issued and the stay will exceed one year; proof of simple German (A1) is waived. Minor unmarried children can join under section 32. Your spouse or partner may work in Germany without a separate permit.

Checked 2026-10-12

## Official sources

1. [AufenthG section 19c: other employment purposes](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__19c.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Employment Ordinance (BeschV) section 6: employment with pronounced practical experience](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/beschv_2013/__6.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [AufenthG section 18: principles of skilled-worker immigration, job offer, approval and four-year term](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__18.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
4. [AufenthG § 4a Zugang zur Erwerbstätigkeit](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__4a.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [AufenthG § 30 Ehegattennachzug](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__30.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Family reunification with third-country nationals (Nachzug zu Drittstaatsangehörigen)](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Familie/NachzugZuDrittstaatlern/nachzug-zu-drittstaatlern-node.html) · Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) · checked 2026-10-12
7. [AufenthG § 29 Familiennachzug zu Ausländern](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__29.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
8. [Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) section 41: privileged nationals who may obtain the residence title after entry](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__41.html) · Bundesministerium der Justiz / gesetze-im-internet.de · checked 2026-10-12
9. [Social Insurance Reference Values Ordinance 2026, section 4](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/svbezgrv_2026/__4.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
10. [Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) section 45: fees for the residence permit, Blue Card EU and ICT card](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__45.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
11. [Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) section 46: fees for the visa](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__46.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
12. [AufenthG section 9: settlement permit](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__9.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
13. [Nationality Act (StAG) section 10: naturalisation after lawful residence](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stag/__10.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
14. [AufenthG section 51: expiry of residence titles](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__51.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11

## Experienced professional permit and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Experienced professional permit | Needs income of €46k+ a year ≈ $51k | 4 yr, renewable | – |
| [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/eu-blue-card/) | Needs income from €46k a year ≈ $51k | 4 yr, renewable | – |
| [Intra-company transfer permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/ict-card-19/) | – | 3 yr, renewable | – |
| [Researcher permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/researcher-18d/) | – | – | – |
| [Skilled worker · degree](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/skilled-worker-18b/) | – | 4 yr, renewable | – |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Experienced professional permit?

Income of at least EUR 45,630 a year (≈ $51,000). Minimum gross salary: 45% of the 2026 pension-insurance contribution ceiling of EUR101,400 (≈ $113,000) (section 6 BeschV; ceiling in the 2026 Social Insurance Reference Values Ordinance). A fee of EUR 100 (≈ $110). Fee for issuing the residence permit, regardless of validity. A fee of EUR 75 (≈ $84). Fee for the national visa (category D), including multiple entries.

### How long can I stay on the Experienced professional permit?

Issued for four years, or for the length of the employment contract plus six months if that is shorter (never more than four years).

### Can I work on the Experienced professional permit?

Qualified employment with the sponsoring employer.

### Can I bring my family on the Experienced professional permit?

The spouse can join if the marriage existed when the permit was issued and the stay will exceed one year; proof of simple German (A1) is waived.

### Who can apply for the Experienced professional permit?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

### Does the Experienced professional permit lead to permanent residence in Germany?

Time on the Experienced professional permit counts toward permanent residence in Germany, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Experienced professional permit counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence.

### How are Experienced professional permit holders taxed in Germany?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Experienced professional permit. The standard rules apply: Residents are taxed on worldwide income. The 2026 tariff is zero up to EUR12,348, (≈ $13,800) rising progressively to a 42% marginal rate from EUR69,879 (≈ $78,100) and 45% from EUR277,826 (≈ $310,000).

## More in Germany

[Opportunity Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/opportunity-card-job-search/) [Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/working-holiday/) [Freelancer permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/freelance-21-5/) [Self-employed permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/self-employment-21/) [Skilled worker · vocational](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/skilled-worker-18a/) [Western Balkans work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/western-balkans-26-2/) [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/student-16b/) [German citizenship by declaration](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/citizenship-declaration-stag-5/)

## Work visas elsewhere

[🇵🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/eu-blue-card/) [🇪🇸 EU Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇪 IT sector permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/it-residence-permit/) [🇮🇹 Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/eu-blue-card/) [🇬🇷 Large-company director permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-executive-b3/) [🇫🇷 Talent · Company officer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/talent-corporate-officer/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-12 against 14 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [AufenthG section 19c: other employment purposes](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__19c.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Employment Ordinance (BeschV) section 6: employment with pronounced practical experience](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/beschv_2013/__6.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [AufenthG section 18: principles of skilled-worker immigration, job offer, approval and four-year term](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__18.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
4. [AufenthG § 4a Zugang zur Erwerbstätigkeit](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__4a.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [AufenthG § 30 Ehegattennachzug](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__30.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Family reunification with third-country nationals (Nachzug zu Drittstaatsangehörigen)](https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Familie/NachzugZuDrittstaatlern/nachzug-zu-drittstaatlern-node.html) · Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) · checked 2026-10-12
7. [AufenthG § 29 Familiennachzug zu Ausländern](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__29.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
8. [Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV) section 41: privileged nationals who may obtain the residence title after entry](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__41.html) · Bundesministerium der Justiz / gesetze-im-internet.de · checked 2026-10-12
9. [Social Insurance Reference Values Ordinance 2026, section 4](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/svbezgrv_2026/__4.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
10. [Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) section 45: fees for the residence permit, Blue Card EU and ICT card](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__45.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
11. [Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) section 46: fees for the visa](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthv/__46.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11
12. [AufenthG section 9: settlement permit](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__9.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (Gesetze im Internet) · checked 2026-10-10
13. [Nationality Act (StAG) section 10: naturalisation after lawful residence](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stag/__10.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11
14. [AufenthG section 51: expiry of residence titles](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__51.html) · Federal Ministry of Justice (gesetze-im-internet.de) · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.