What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows highly qualified specialists from non-EU countries (third countries) to work and live in Germany and other EU countries. It is aimed in particular at people who have a university degree or comparable qualification and would like to work in professions that are in high demand.
The EU Blue Card was introduced in 2012 to attract skilled workers from all over the world and combat the shortage of skilled workers in the EU. It is particularly advantageous for employers as it enables them to hire qualified employees from abroad quickly and easily.
Requirements for the EU Blue Card
1. university degree or equivalent qualification
-The prerequisite is a university degree recognized in Germany or a foreign degree that is equivalent to a German one.
-Alternatively, people with professional qualifications and extensive professional experience can also apply for a Blue Card in certain cases.
2. employment contract or binding job offer
-The skilled worker must be able to present a concrete job offer or an employment contract in Germany.
3. minimum salary
-For 2024, the income limit for the Blue Card is one Annual gross salary of at least € 58,400.
-For shortage occupations (e.g. engineers, IT specialists, doctors, scientists) the limit is lower, at 45.552 € gross per year.
4th occupational group
-The position should be one of the professions that are urgently sought after in Germany (e.g. engineering, IT, medicine, mathematics).
5. health insurance
-Proof of valid health insurance is mandatory.
6. entry with visa
-Persons who are already in Germany can apply for the EU Blue Card directly. Others require a corresponding visa to enter the country.
Advantages of the EU Blue Card
1.Quick settlement permit
-EU Blue Card holders can already enter the EU after 33 months apply for a settlement permit.
-If you have sufficient German language skills (B1), you can obtain a settlement permit after 21 months received.
2. family reunification without language skills
-Family members can join you without proof of German language skills.
-Spouses are allowed to work in Germany immediately.
3. freedom of movement in the EU
-With the EU Blue Card, skilled workers can move to another EU member state after 18 months and work there, provided the national requirements of the new state are met.
4.attractive working conditions
-Entitlement to salaries above the minimum wage and access to social insurance.
5.independence from the employer
-After two years, the EU Blue Card can be extended regardless of the position originally approved.
Application procedure for the EU Blue Card
1.preparation
-Secure a job offer or employment contract.
-university degree and have it recognized (e.g. via the database anabine).
-Have your professional qualification recognized, if necessary.
2. application
-Apply for an EU Blue Card at the German diplomatic mission in your home country or directly at the immigration authority in Germany.
-The following documents are required:
-Valid passport
-Employment contract or job offer
-Proof of qualification (university certificates, with translation if necessary)
-proof of health insurance
-Proof of income
3. processing time
-The processing time varies, but is usually 4-6 weeks.
4. obtaining the EU Blue Card
-After approval, the Blue Card is issued, with which the skilled worker can work and live in Germany.
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