The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified non-EU citizens who wish to work in Germany or other EU member states. It is designed to attract skilled professionals, particularly in areas with labor shortages. Here’s an overview of how to apply for and obtain an EU Blue Card in Germany:
Eligibility Criteria
- University Degree: You must have a recognized university degree. If your degree is from a non-German institution, it may need to be recognized in Germany. You can check the equivalence of your degree through the Anabin database or by obtaining a formal recognition from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB).
- Job Offer in Germany: You must have a concrete job offer or employment contract from a German employer.
- Salary Threshold: The job must offer a minimum annual gross salary. For 2024, the salary threshold is:
- General Professions: At least €58,400 per year.
- Shortage Occupations (e.g., IT, engineering, healthcare): At least €45,552 per year.
- Profession Related to Qualification: The job must be in line with your academic or professional qualifications.
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Gather Required Documents
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Completed Application Form: The application form can be obtained from the German embassy or consulate in your home country or the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) in Germany.
- Passport Photos: Two recent biometric photos.
- University Degree: A recognized or equivalent university degree certificate.
- Employment Contract or Job Offer: A signed contract or a detailed job offer letter from your employer in Germany, specifying your role, salary, and duration of employment.
- Proof of Salary: The employment contract must clearly state that the salary meets the required threshold.
- Proof of Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory in Germany, and you must have coverage in place.
- Proof of Accommodation: A rental agreement or proof of accommodation in Germany.
- Proof of Professional Experience: If applicable, provide evidence of relevant professional experience.
Apply for the EU Blue Card
- Where to Apply: If you are already in Germany on a different visa (e.g., Job Seeker Visa), you can apply for the EU Blue Card at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde). If you are applying from abroad, submit your application at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Application Fee: The fee for an EU Blue Card application is typically around €100 to €140.
- Processing Time: The processing time can vary, but it usually takes 6 to 12 weeks. If applying from within Germany, the process might be faster.
Attend an Interview (If Required)
- In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview at the German embassy or consulate. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, job offer, and plans in Germany.
Receive the EU Blue Card
- Once your application is approved, you will receive the EU Blue Card, which allows you to work and reside in Germany.
- Validity: The EU Blue Card is typically issued for the duration of your employment contract, up to a maximum of four years. It can be renewed if your employment continues.
Family Reunification
- Family Members: Your spouse and children can join you in Germany under the family reunification process. Your spouse does not need to prove language skills to get a residence permit, and they are allowed to work in Germany.
Path to Permanent Residency
- Permanent Residency (Niederlassungserlaubnis): After 33 months of holding an EU Blue Card and continuous employment in Germany, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. If you can prove German language proficiency at the B1 level, you can apply for permanent residency after just 21 months.
- Long-Term EU Residency: After five years of living and working in the EU (including any time spent on the EU Blue Card in other EU member states), you may be eligible for a long-term EU residence permit, which allows you to move to and work in other EU countries.
Working in Other EU Countries
- Mobility within the EU: After 18 months of working in Germany, you can move to another EU country to take up employment there. You will need to apply for a new EU Blue Card in that country within one month of your move.
Visit The Official Germany Immigration Portal and Apply For The EU Blue Card