- IT specialists use the lower Blue Card threshold: €45,934.20 in 2026.
- Software development left the official shortage list, so competition is higher.
- Many tech teams work in English; German helps you stand out.
- Tailor your CV to the exact stack in each ad.
Software development is still the most common way people I help get into Germany with English only. But the market is more competitive than a few years ago, so a generic CV no longer works.
The job market in Germany
Software development is no longer on the Federal Employment Agency's list of shortage occupations, which means more applicants per job. Demand is still solid for backend, cloud, data heavy and security focused developers, and for anyone with experience in a specific industry such as automotive, fintech or e-commerce.
How much German you need
Many tech companies and startups work fully in English, especially in Berlin and Munich. German helps at traditional companies, in consulting and for promotions. B1 German makes your CV stand out.
Work permit and recognition
IT specialists qualify for the lower EU Blue Card threshold: €45,934.20 a year in 2026 instead of €50,700. Without a degree, IT specialists can still get the Blue Card with at least 3 years of IT experience in the last 7 years.
What to show on your CV
- The exact stack in the ad, in the ad's words: languages, frameworks, cloud, databases.
- Results: performance gains, users served, costs saved, incidents reduced.
- Links to GitHub or a portfolio, if they are clean and current.
- System design and ownership for senior roles.
Where these jobs are
Berlin has the largest English speaking tech market, followed by Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt. Do not ignore smaller cities with strong industries, such as Stuttgart for automotive software.
For salary data by occupation and region, use the official Entgeltatlas of the Federal Employment Agency. For current English speaking jobs, see my live job board.
My plan for you
- Pick 2 or 3 target role titles. For example Backend Engineer, Platform Engineer and Software Engineer (Java).
- Rebuild your CV for each title. See the German CV format.
- Apply on career pages and follow up. Message the engineering manager or recruiter after applying.
- Prepare for live coding and system design. See my German job interview guide.
Common questions
Do I need a degree to work as a developer in Germany?
Not for the Blue Card if you have at least 3 years of IT experience in the last 7 years.
Can I get a developer job in Germany with English only?
Yes, at many tech companies and startups. German widens your options.
Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.