About the EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows professionals from outside the EU to live and work within the European Union – meaning it is a residence permit that is linked to the holder’s employment. It is valid in all EU member states except Denmark and Ireland. It is valid for either four years in cases of a permanent employment contract or the duration of the temporary employment contract and an additional three months (but no more than 4 years in total). Prerequisites to apply for an EU Blue Card are that the applicant has got a university degree that is equivalent to a German degree and a job offer in a member state with a gross salary of at least 58,400 € annually or alternatively 45,552 € if the position is affected by skilled labor shortage. Areas with work shortages in Germany are especially information technology, engineering, human medicine, natural sciences and mathematics.

Change of Employer

As mentioned above, the requirements differ whether the holder is seeking to change his position within the first two years of his Blue Card Residence Permit or after two years of continuous employment and whether the old position was in Germany or a different EU member state.

A new position in Germany within the first two years:

According to § 18 b Section 2 AufenthG authorization of the German immigration services is required when changing a job within the first two years. The new employment contract likewise has to comply with the EU Blue Card application requirements.

A new position in Germany after two years:

The new work contract also has to meet the required threshold but other than that, there is no need for an authorization.

EU Blue Card holders with a new position in Germany:

After 18 months of continuous employment in a member state EU Blue Card holders can enter Germany without a visa and apply for an EU Blue Card at the local immigration authority within one month of entering the country.

Extending the EU Blue Card

It is possible to gain permanent residence in Germany after having worked in Germany for 21 months on an EU Blue Card Permit if the Professional is able to demonstrate B1 Language Skills in German. Professionals that do not meet the language requirements are able to gain permanent residence after 33 months.

Legal Advice for all issues with EU Blue Cards

Our team is looking forward to provide assistance to you in any matters concerning EU Blue Cards, changing employers and any other immigration issues. At Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte, we are a multidisciplinary and multilingual law firm and happy to consult you in German, English, French, Spanish, Russian and Turkish.