For academically qualified professionals with a job offer in Germany who don’t meet the EU Blue Card’s salary threshold, or whose situation fits better here. Unlike the Blue Card, there’s generally no salary floor — except for first-time entrants over 45.
Same recognition bar as the Blue Card. If your degree isn’t automatically comparable, start the recognition procedure before applying.
Source: Anabin database (degree recognition) ↗The role must normally require an academic qualification to perform — the site is explicit that "auxiliary tasks will not be sufficient." The job does not have to match your specific degree field.
As a rule, the BA must approve the employment first, checking that your salary and working conditions match what a German employee in the same role would get.
If you’re over 45 and this is your first time working in Germany, your job must pay at least the threshold below, or you must prove adequate pension provision.
Two separate application tracks exist on the portal depending on whether your qualification is a university degree or vocational training — pick the one matching your qualification.
Source: Consular Services Portal — Federal Foreign Office ↗Same as the Blue Card: register your address and collect your permit from your local foreigners authority after entry.