Do IT engineers need a degree to obtain a Blue Card?

One of the standard requirements to apply for a Blue Card is that the applicant obtains a university degree. However, in the field of IT, a Blue Card can also be obained based on work experience.

Since the change of the German Immigration act in November 2023 employees in the IT sector  (occupational groups 133 and 25 of ISCO-08, the International Standard Classification of Occupations-08) can be exempted form the requirement to hold a university for processing a Blue Card application.

According to the new section 18g(2) of the Residence Act, a foreigner will be granted a small EU Blue Card to work in IT with the approval of the Federal Employment Agency if the minimum salary threshold is met and the foreigner has at least three years of relevant professional experience, thus having the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities at a level comparable to a university degree or a tertiary education programme.