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The EU Blue Card: A gateway to new professional opportunities in Europe
Expert article in migration law
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card (Section 18g of the Residence Act) is a special residence permit that makes it easier for qualified professionals from non-EU countries to access the German labor market. This article provides an overview of the requirements and application process for the EU Blue Card as well as valuable tips and special regulations for IT experts.
Do I need a visa?
Whether you need a visa to enter Germany depends on your country of origin. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the USA can enter without a visa and must apply for the EU Blue Card at the relevant immigration authority within three months.
Holders of an EU Blue Card from another EU member state (for at least 12 months) may enter Germany without a visa and must apply for the EU Blue Card within one month of entry.
What requirements do I have to meet to get the EU Blue Card?
To obtain the EU Blue Card, you must meet certain requirements:
1. Application
In some countries you can also apply for the EU Blue Card online.
We offer you detailed advice on the requirements and application process for the EU Blue Card. We explain exactly which documents are needed and help you meet all legal requirements.
2. Academic or equivalent qualification
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University degree: You need a German university degree or a foreign degree that is equivalent to a German one.
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Alternative qualifications: If you do not have a university degree, you can also have a tertiary education qualification of at least three years' duration. This must correspond to level 6 of the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) or the European Qualifications Framework. These include advanced training qualifications such as "master craftsman" and professional qualifications in educational professions.
3. Specific job offer
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Job offer: You need a concrete job offer in Germany.
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Duration of employment: The employment relationship must last at least six months.
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Suitable position: The position must match your qualifications. If the job requires a special license to practice, this must be available or promised.
4. Minimum salary
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Regular employment: Your gross annual salary must be at least 45,300 euros (2024).
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Shortage occupations: In certain shortage occupations, the minimum salary is 41,041.80 euros (2024), provided the Federal Employment Agency (BA) agrees. These occupations include managers in production, IT specialists, health professions, and teachers and educators.
Are there special regulations for new entrants to the job market?
If your university degree is no more than three years old, you can also get the EU Blue Card with a gross annual salary of at least 41,041.80 euros (2024). This regulation applies to new entrants to the job market in all professional groups. Here, too, the approval of the Federal Employment Agency is required.
Special case: IT specialists without formal qualifications
IT professionals can obtain an EU Blue Card even without a formal educational qualification under certain conditions:
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Job offer: You need a concrete job offer as an IT specialist in Germany.
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Minimum salary: Your gross annual salary must be at least 41,041.80 euros (2024).
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Professional experience: You must have at least three years of professional experience in the IT field in the last seven years. This experience must be at university level and relevant to the planned activity in Germany.
If you meet these requirements, you can get the EU Blue Card.
What opportunities does the EU Blue Card offer?
The EU Blue Card is initially issued for four years; in the case of a shorter employment contract, it is valid for the term of the contract plus three months.
Holders of the EU Blue Card can be granted a settlement permit after 33 months of highly qualified employment. If you have good German language skills, you can be granted a settlement permit after just 21 months of highly qualified employment. The periods of residence with the EU Blue Card in other EU countries can be accumulated for the EU's permanent right of residence regulated by European law, provided that the stay in the first country is at least 18 months.
Family members of EU Blue Card holders do not need to have any German language skills before entering the country and can work without restrictions immediately after entering the country. We are also happy to help you apply for residence permits for your family members. We ensure that they can also benefit from the advantages of the EU Blue Card without having to prove their German language skills before entering the country.
Can I change my employer without any problems?
If you already have an EU Blue Card and are planning to change your employer in Germany, this is generally not a problem. The EU Blue Card allows you to start your new job with the card still valid. However, there is an important rule to be observed, especially if the job change takes place within the first year of your employment: you must inform the relevant immigration authorities about your new employment.
If you change jobs within the first year, the immigration authorities will check again whether your new job still meets the requirements for the EU Blue Card. These include a gross annual salary that meets the current minimum requirements and employment that matches your qualifications.
If your new job no longer meets the criteria for the EU Blue Card, you don't need to worry. In such cases, the immigration authorities can issue you with another residence permit that will allow you to continue working in Germany. This could be a residence permit for skilled workers, for example.
Changing jobs with the EU Blue Card is therefore a flexible process that allows you to advance your career in Germany as long as you follow the necessary steps according to the regulations.
If you change jobs within the validity period of your EU Blue Card, we will support you. We will help you inform the immigration authorities and meet all legal requirements to secure your status.
What to do if the immigration authorities do not respond?
After three months, an action for failure to act can be brought before the relevant administrative court. We would be happy to advise you and represent you in this regard.
Our support options for you:
As your law firm, we are committed to supporting your professional development in Germany. With our expertise and experience, we offer you tailor-made solutions for your individual requirements related to the EU Blue Card.
If you need further information or would like personal advice, we are available at any time. Please contact us for a non-binding discussion.
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