The EU Blue Card allows highly skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in any country within the European Union, including Germany, for a period of four years. It is intended to attract highly qualified professionals to the EU to meet the growing demand for skilled labor and address skilled labor shortages in specific sectors.
To qualify for the Blue Card, individuals must have a university degree and a job offer in an eligible occupation with a salary that meets the minimum threshold for the Blue Card. This amount changes yearly and is announced on the last day before the new year.
Salary Requirements for 2023
The annual minimum gross income for 2023 is 45.552€ for occupations in the fields of Mathematics, Information Technology, Engineering, Medicine (except for Dental Medicine) and Natural Sciences.
All other professions require a minimum gross income of 58.400€ per year.
Advantages of the EU Blue Card Germany
The EU Blue Card Germany offers holders several advantages. Firstly, family reunification is simplified. Family members can come live and work in Germany under loosened conditions. EU Blue Card holders also enjoy free mobility within the entire European Union and will be granted a Blue Card from another member state more easily. Likewise, holders of an EU Blue Card from another member state can get a Blue Card in Germany under simplified conditions. Applying for a permanent residence permit is also simplified for EU Blue Card holders. After just 33 months of living and working in Germany, holders can apply for a permanent residence permit; this period is even shortened to 21 months if the holder has sufficient knowledge of German (B2 Level).
Application Requirements for an EU Blue Card Germany
You can apply for the EU Blue Card at the local immigration office in Germany. Our team of expert immigration lawyers happily takes care of your application for you.
The necessary requirements for an EU Blue Card are listed under § 19 a of the German Residence Act. If these requirements are met, the applicant is entitled to receive a Blue Card. The requirements are as follows:
- The applicant needs to have a university degree that is equivalent to a German degree or actually from a German University,
- An employment contract or a binding job offer from a highly skilled job with a gross income of at least 58.400€ (45.552€ for occupations in the field of mathematics, information technology, engineering, natural sciences and medicine, except for dental medicine),
- The applicant must have entered Germany under a valid entry visa (a visa is, however, not required by citizens from the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Israel, South Korea, and New Zealand)
These requirements need to be met along with the general visa requirements:
- Proof that means of subsistence are covered
- The applicant needs a valid passport and proof of identity
- There must be no reason for deportation
Our Services
- Fast and efficient application for the EU Blue Card with all necessary forms and documents
- Accompanying the applicant for appointments with the local immigration authorities
- Family reunification
- Extension Applications for the EU Blue Card
- Application for a permanent residence permit
EU Blue Card: More Information
The EU Blue Card can be a very beneficial residence permit for living and working in Germany. Read more about the application process here. We are also happy to assess if you are eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card. If you have any other questions regarding the EU Blue Card, don’t hesitate to contact our team of expert immigration lawyers directly.
If you already hold an EU Blue Card, click here to find out how to change employers as an EU Blue Card Holder in Germany.
