What is an EU Blue Card in Germany?

An EU Blue Card is a specific residence title for foreign talent seeking qualified employment in the European Union, that also applies to Germany. The idea of the EU Blue Card is to fill skill shortages in Europe’s labor markets, minimize bureaucracy, and enhance alignment within the EU.

‍What are the benefits of the EU Blue Card?‍

Visa-free travel within the EU for up to 90 days (this does not apply to work in other EU countries with a German EU Blue Card)
Possibility to apply for a permanent residence permit earlier:
- After 21 months of paying into German pension insurance, with a B1 language certificate
- After 33 months of paying into German pension insurance, with an A1 language certificate
Easier to relocate with a family member, and requirements like sufficient living space are waived.
Spouses can work in Germany without restrictions and do not need to prove German language skills for a residence permit.
No German language skills requirements from the applicant
Simplified process of moving to another EU country for employment
Holders can stay outside the EU for up to 12 consecutive months without losing their Blue Card.
- The employee needs to keep his address registered,
- and need to have an un-terminated employment contract (remote work allowed)
- can affect the time counted for a permanent residence permit.

Validity of EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is usually valid for a period of 4 years, unless the following applies:

Passport validity is ending before the blue card validity. In such cases, the EU Blue Card is issued with the same expiration date as the passport then.
The work contract is limited. Here, the EU Blue Card is valid till the employment contract end date. Under certain conditions, its validity can be extended in Germany.

Who is eligible for the EU Blue Card?

Highly qualified professionals with a recognized university degree
Qualified professionals with a tertiary education equal to university degree level
Shortage occupation professionals
Career starters with a recognized degree
IT-Specialists

What types of the Blue Card EU are available in Germany?

Type of EU Blue Card	Who It Is Meant For
Blue Card EU for professionals	Professionals with a university degree or equivalent qualification
Blue Card EU for skilled workers	Skilled workers employed in a shortage occupation
Blue Card EU for career starters	Individuals who obtained a university degree within the last 3 years
Blue Card EU for IT Specialists	IT specialists without a recognized degree

What are the EU Blue Card Requirements?

See below the requirements for the EU Blue card for different categories:

1 - Requirements for EU Blue Card with a recognized academic degree

Area	Requirements
Proof of higher education	Individual should hold a German or a foreign university degree.
Relation of the degree and employment	Employment must be appropriate to the qualification.
Salary	Employment in Germany must enable the talent to support themselves.
Period of employment	Must be at least 6 months.
Job offer	Employment contract or a binding job offer in Germany is required.

2 - EU Blue Card requirements for IT-specialists

Area	Requirements
Work experience	Minimum three years of proven work experience during the last seven years
Relation of the experience and employment	Experience must be relevant for the employment
Salary	Employment in Germany must enable the talent to earn a gross annual salary of at least €43,759,80 (as of 2025).
Period of employment	Must be at least 6 months
Job offer	Employment contract or a binding job offer in Germany

3 - Requirements for EU Blue Card with employment in a shortage occupation

Area	Requirements
Proof of higher education	Individual should hold a German or a foreign university degree recognized in Germany
Relation of the degree and employment	Employment must be appropriate to the qualification
Salary	Individuals employed in shortage occupations may qualify for an EU Blue Card with a lower minimum gross annual salary of €43,759.80 (as of 2025), provided that employment has been approved by the Federal Employment Agency.
Period of employment	Must be at least 6 months
Job offer	Employment contract or a binding job offer in Germany

Shortage occupations include:

Managers in manufacturing, mining, construction, and distribution
IT service managers
Managers in childcare, healthcare, and education
Academic STEM professionals
Experts in architecture, spatial and transport planning
Medical doctors, veterinarians, dentists, and pharmacists
Nursing and midwifery professionals
Teachers and educators

4 - EU Blue Card requirements for career starters

Area	Requirements
Proof of higher education	Individual should hold a German or a foreign university degree recognized in Germany
Relation of the degree and employment	Employment must be appropriate to the qualification
Date of obtaining the university degree	Should be not older than three years by the time of application
Salary	Employment in Germany must enable the talent to earn a gross annual salary of at least €43,759,80 (as of 2025).
Period of employment	Must be at least 6 months
Job offer	Employment contract or a binding job offer in Germany

Application process for the EU Blue Card in Germany

1 Step 1: Confirm the equivalence of the degree	The talent must prove that their higher education qualification is equivalent to the required standard.
2 Step 2: Book an appointment for a visa appointment	Booking an appointment (depending on the embassy) is required before submission.
3 Step 3: Put together the documentation pack	The general list of documents required in the application must be assembled.
4 Alternatively to step 2 and 3: apply for a national visa online	Check if the specific embassy offers an online application option for a national visa.
5 Step 4: Submit the visa application with additional documents	During the scheduled appointment, talent attends the embassy and submits all required documents.
6 Step 5: Attend biometric data collection	The applicant must provide fingerprints and other biometric data as part of the application process.
7 Step 6: Await visa processing	The visa application will be reviewed, and the applicant must wait for a decision.
8 Step 7: Receive visa approval	Once approved, the applicant receives their visa documentation.
9 Step 8: Plan travel and accommodation	The applicant should arrange travel and lodging before relocating.
10 Step 9: Enter the destination country	The applicant must enter the country within the validity period of the visa.
11 Step 10: Register with local authorities	Registration with the local immigration office is required after arrival.
12 Step 11: Apply for a residence permit	If applicable, the applicant must apply for a residence permit within a given timeframe.
13 Step 12: Finalize integration steps	This includes opening a bank account, obtaining a tax number, and other administrative tasks.

Start Your Journey with the EU Blue Card in Germany

Securing an EU Blue Card in Germany is a streamlined pathway for skilled professionals seeking exciting career opportunities in Europe. With its numerous benefits—including faster permanent residency, family-friendly policies, and simplified mobility within the EU—the Blue Card is a top choice for international talent.

If you're considering EU blue card for your employees, now is the time to take action. Ensure your employee qualifications meet the requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and follow the step-by-step process to obtain the permit.

📥 Want a complete step-by-step guide? Download our FREE EU Blue Card eBook now and get expert insights, essential checklists, and insider tips—all in one click! DOWNLOAD NOW .
For the latest updates and expert guidance on immigration to Germany, stay tuned to our blog !

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