For adult Chinese offshore primary applicants with a German offer and recognised academic qualifications at the standard salary threshold. Excludes lower-threshold cases, IT without qualifications, dependants and EU mobility exceptions.
These are not sequential upgrades or every German visa option. Distinguish a job offer, training contract, recognition notice and employer support. DAB, degree comparability, professional recognition and licensing are not interchangeable.
With a qualification-matched offer, check the standard-salary Blue Card scope; regulated professions require separate authorisation.
Official requirementsWith a German recognition notice and suitable qualification measure, check German, living support and programme requirements; not any course qualifies.
Official requirementsWith a suitable employer and written partnership, check recognition-after-entry criteria; this is not an exemption from recognition or licensing.
Official requirementsWith a company training contract, check training, German and living support; vocational training is not training-place search or recognition qualification measures.
Official requirementsCheck degree comparability, a qualification-matched job of at least six months and the current standard salary threshold. Regulated professions need licensing checks. This is an employment residence title, not job-search permission or permanent residence.
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Check qualifications and role, prepare employer/applicant evidence, apply for the entry visa, then follow local Blue Card residence procedures in Germany.
Distinguish degree comparability from professional recognition; check anabin or ZAB evidence for your circumstances. Official guidance
Check contract duration, duties and the current standard threshold; lower-threshold rules are not universal. Official guidance
Use the current consular route and competent mission checklist, not appointment instructions from an old PDF. Official guidance
Entry visa and Blue Card residence are separate steps; follow the local foreigners authority before permission expires. Official guidance
Introductory preparation summary, not a complete checklist, individual advice or a visa guarantee. Follow official pages and individual notices. Reviewed: 2026-10-24
Salary thresholds change annually. The 2021 China checklist, 2025 graphic and EU portal page still listing 2024 pay do not establish current salary, validity or appointment rules. Use current German federal guidance and the personal consular checklist.
Regulated professions require separate authorisation; a degree certificate alone is not a professional licence. Official guidance
Settlement requires a separate check of language, employment and other applicable conditions; no automatic conversion is promised. Official guidance
Download a blank English PDF checklist to print and mark offline. This is not an exhaustive lodgement checklist; official requirements take precedence.