Blue Card EU

The EU Blue Card is a new residence title for specific purposes, in place in Germany since 2012. Thanks to the introduction of the EU Blue Card in Germany, the permanent immigration of highly educated skilled employees has become easier than ever before.

Blue card benefits

• German language is not required
• Opportunity for relocation for the whole family
• Ability to quickly obtain a permanent residence permit (after 33 or 21 months with the right prerequisites)

Legal basis and preconditions

To receive the EU Blue Card, applicants must have the following prerequisites:

A diploma of higher education with a term of study of at least three years and with the award of a specialist or master’s degree. If the diploma was not obtained in Germany, then it must either be approved by the state or correspond to the German diploma of this specialty (section 18 b, subsection 2 Residence Act)

Availability of an employment contract or job offer from a German employer corresponding to qualifications

The minimum annual gross salary in 2020 should be at least 43.056€ for positions with shortage of specialists (scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors and specialists in the field of information technology), and for other professions will be annually 55.200€.

If applicants can prove this level of income, then the consent of the Federal Employment Agency (§ 18 subsection 2 No. 2 in essence to § 39 subsection 1 residence act) is no longer required to get the EU Blue Card. The wage threshold is adjusted annually based on changes in national wages.

At the first issue, the term of the Blue Card is limited to a maximum of four years (§18 subsection 4 residence act). If the employment contract is shorter than four years, a residence permit is issued for a period limited by the duration of the employment contract, plus three months.

How do I apply for an EU Blue Card?

Depending on your current situation, there are different ways to go about applying for the EU Blue Card. Candidates who are already residing in Germany and are in possession of a different residence title, can contact the immigration office responsible for their place of residence, for further information.

Candidates from non-EU states are obliged to first apply for a residence/work permit, which can be obtained at the German Embassy in their home country. Upon arrival in Germany, an application for the EU Blue Card must be made at the designated immigration office.

Get in touch with us, we are specialists in helping highly skilled migrants obtain a German EU Blue Card.