The German government has published a list of 12 teaching occupation categories that qualify for the EU Blue Card, a combined work and residence permit designed for highly qualified professionals from outside the European Union. The permit allows eligible individuals to live and work in 25 of the 27 EU member states, with Denmark and Ireland being the only exceptions where the card does not apply.
Teaching Roles Listed Under Category 23
According to the official German government document, the qualifying teaching roles are listed under Category 23 for the 2026 EU Blue Card. The categories include:
- University and higher education teachers (2310)
- Vocational education teachers (2320)
- Secondary education teachers (2330)
- Primary school teachers (2341)
- Early childhood educators (2342)
- Education methods specialists (2351)
- Special needs teachers (2352)
- Other language teachers (2353)
- Other music teachers (2354)
- Other arts teachers (2355)
- Information technology trainers (2356)
- Teaching professionals not elsewhere classified (2359)
These roles span a wide range of educational settings, from universities and secondary schools to vocational centres and early childhood education. The inclusion of IT trainers and education methods specialists highlights Germany's focus on attracting skilled educators across various disciplines.
What the EU Blue Card Means for Teachers
The EU Blue Card is intended to attract highly qualified talent from non-EU countries by offering a legal pathway to live and work across most of Europe. For teaching professionals, the permit covers a broad spectrum of positions, including university lecturers, secondary school teachers, and specialists in music, arts, and information technology training.
Prospective applicants can review the full list of eligible occupations on the Make It in Germany official portal, which is run by the German government and serves as the primary resource for skilled workers considering a move to Germany.
In related news, Germany has previously listed nine African countries whose citizens must obtain an airport transit visa, and also named 20 countries whose citizens require a category A airport transit visa when passing through German airports, even if they stay within the international transit area and their destination is outside the Schengen zone.
