What is a blue card?

 The EU Blue Card is a residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals who wish to work in Germany. It aims to attract qualified professionals by offering a streamlined process for obtaining work and residence permits.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an EU Blue Card in Germany, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualifications : Hold a degree from a German institution or a recognized equivalent from another country
  1
  3
  .
• Employment Offer : Have a concrete job offer or employment contract in Germany that matches their qualifications
  1
  3
  .
• Salary Requirement : Earn a minimum gross annual salary of €45,300 (2024) or €41,042 for shortage occupations such as IT, engineering, and medicine
  2
  4
  .

Application Process

The application process involves several steps:

1. Secure a Job : Obtain a job offer that meets the salary and qualification requirements.
2. Apply for a Visa : If not already in Germany, apply for a German Employment Visa to enter the country.
3. Register in Germany : Upon arrival, register your address and obtain health insurance.
4. Submit Application : Apply for the EU Blue Card at the local Immigration Office with all necessary documents, including your passport, employment contract, and proof of residence
   1
   3
   .

Costs

The fee for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Germany is generally €110. Additional fees may apply for visa applications and other administrative processes

1

3

.

validity

The EU Blue Card is typically issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, with a maximum validity of four years. It can be renewed if necessary

3

.

benefits

Holders of an EU Blue Card enjoy several benefits:

• Permanent Residency : Eligible to apply for permanent residency after 33 months, or 21 months with sufficient German language skills (B1 level)
  2
  4
  .
• Family Reunification : Easier procedures for bringing immediate family members to Germany without requiring language proficiency or proof of sufficient living space
  2
  .
• Mobility within the EU : After 18 months in Germany, cardholders can move to another EU country under certain conditions
  4
  .

Bringing Parents

As of March 2024, EU Blue Card holders can bring their parents and parents-in-law to Germany. However, they must provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage for them

2

.

What documents are required for the EU Blue Card application?   When applying for the EU Blue Card in Germany, you will need to gather and submit a comprehensive set of documents. Here is a detailed list of the required documents:

• Valid Passport : Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay or at least for the next 15 months
  2
  3
  .
• Application Form : The official EU Blue Card application form must be fully completed. This can be downloaded from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees website
  2
  3
  .
• Passport Photos : Two recent biometric passport photos that comply with the official requirements
  2
  .
• Degree Certificate : A recognized university diploma or equivalent qualification. If there is uncertainty about the recognition of your degree in Germany, you should verify its equivalency through the anabin database
  2
  3
  .
• Employment Contract or Job Offer : A detailed document from your prospective employer in Germany, stating specifics of your role, salary, and other terms of employment
  1
  2
  3
  .
• Proof of Residence in Germany : This can be a certificate of registration at your main residence (Melde-Confirmation) or a lease and written confirmation of occupancy from your landlord (Wohnungsgeber-Confirmation)
  1
  3
  .
• Health Insurance Proof : Evidence of comprehensive health insurance coverage in Germany, which can be either statutory or private insurance
  1
  2
  3
  .
• Declaration on the Employment Relationship : Known  aserklärung zum Beschäftigungsbeziehung  in German, this document must be filled out and signed by your employer
  3
  .
• Certificate of Evaluation : If your foreign degree is not evaluated in the “anabin” database, you may need to submit a certificate assessment to the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
  1
  3
  .
• Biometric Photo : A current biometric photo taken within the last six months that meets specific requirements
  1
  3
  .
• Proof of Online Application for an EU Blue Card : After submitting the online request form, you will receive a PDF confirmation document. Bring this to your appointment either printed or digitally on your smartphone
  1
  .
• Appointment Confirmation : Bring the appointment invitation you received via email after submitting your online request form
  1
  .

These documents are crucial for successfully applying for an EU Blue Card in Germany. Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejection.

1] https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/324659/en/

[2] https://talents2germany.de/the-benefits-of-the-eu-blue-card-and-the-application-process-an-in-depth-guide/

[3] https://visaguide.world/europe/eu-blue-card/germany/

[4] https://visaguide.world/europe/eu-blue-card/

[5] https://www.germany-visa.org/immigration/residence-permit/eu-blue-card-germany/

[6] https://remote.com/blog/eu-blue-card-eligibility

[7] https://www.arbeitnow.com/blog/blue-card-germany

[1] https://visaguide.world/europe/eu-blue-card/germany/

[2] https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/fileadmin/1_Rebrush_2022/b_Arbeitgeber/PDF-Dateien/BMWK_Questions_answers_EU_Blue_Card_EN_web_bf.pdf

[3] https://www.germany-visa.org/immigration/residence-permit/eu-blue-card-germany/

[4] https://www.arbeitnow.com/blog/blue-card-germany

[5] https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/eu-blue-card

[6] https://remote.com/blog/eu-blue-card-eligibility

[7] https://talents2germany.de/the-benefits-of-the-eu-blue-card-and-the-application-process-an-in-depth-guide/