EU Blue Cards are issued by EU member states to third-country nationals. The holder of an EU Blue Card is entitled to take up residence in the EU for the purpose of taking up gainful employment.
The EU Blue Card is designed in a way to attract the highly qualified professionals from third-countries to jobs where there is a shortage of qualified personnel or where a shortage is likely to arise in the future.
The EU Blue Card is the main residence permit for university graduates from abroad. It is a simple and unbureaucratic procedure geared to third-country nationals keen to put their talents to use in Germany.
In fact, An EU Blue Card can be applied for in all EU Member States apart from Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Slight differences apply with regard to the conditions, such as the amount of the gross annual salary.
What opportunities does the EU Blue Card offer?
Generally, an EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of your work contract, including 3 additional months, within a 4-year period.
It is possible to be granted an extension if certain requirements are fulfilled. Your local Foreign Registration Authority (Ausländerbehörde) must approve of any job changes taking place within the first two years of employment.
When you have a Blue Card, You may apply for a settlement permit after 33 months after getting a Blue Card. A settlement permit can be issued after 21 months if you can provide the proof of required language skills (at least a B1 level).
Requirements to apply for an EU Blue Card?
You have a German degree, a recognised foreign higher education degree, or you have a foreign higher education degree that is comparable to a German higher education degree.
You already have an unlimited job contract / offer from a company in Germany.
The position must be appropriate for someone with your qualifications (higher education degree)
You have a minimum annual gross salary of 41,041 Euros. A reduced minimum annual gross salary of 44,304 Euros applies to employment in the occupational fields of mathematics, computer science, the natural sciences, engineering and human medicine (not including dentistry) (as of 2021 - the salary thresholds are readjusted for each calendar year).
Documents Required for the German EU Blue Card
Valid passport.
A recent biometric photo.
Fully filled and duly signed application form.
Declaration on the Employment Relationship. (Erklärung zum Beschäftigungsverhältnis)
Employment contract or job offer.
Proof of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) OR your rental agreement
Original degree or diploma certificate.
Proof of insurance
How to apply for a EU Blue Card in Germany
Once you have all the documents ready, get an appointment at your local foreigner’s office (Ausländerbehörde). The official will verify the documents and accept your application. You will then be asked to make the payment by cash or by your bank card.
Cost of a Blue Card for Germany
First time issue: €100
Extension (up to three months) : €96
Extension more than three months: €93
Turkish citizens: €28.80
