EU Blue Card (EU BlueCard)
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries. Compared to a regular residence permit, it offers clear advantages: faster path to a settlement permit, easier family reunification and more flexibility when changing employers. If you meet the requirements, the EU Blue Card is generally the most efficient way to obtain a permanent right of residence in Germany.
To obtain a Blue Card, you must meet the following requirements
required qualification:
- German or recognized foreign university degree
- IT specialist with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience
- Recognized tertiary educational qualification (e.g. master craftsman, technician, business administrator)
Tip: You can check whether your foreign qualification is recognized in the ANABIN database of the KMK. If it is not listed there, an individual certificate assessment is recommended.
Minimum salary (2026):
- 50,700 € gross/year
- 45,934.20 gross/year – for STEM professions, IT and medicine as well as graduates with a degree from less than 3 years ago, if the Federal Employment Agency confirms that the salary for the job offered is in line with local standards.
If you do not meet the income threshold for an EU Blue Card, you have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit as a skilled worker with a recognized qualification.
You can apply either to the German diplomatic mission in your home country or – if you are legally resident in Germany – directly to the immigration authority. The EU Blue Card is issued for up to four years, for a maximum of the duration of the employment contract plus three months.
You only need to notify the authorities of a change of employer – approval is not required. The authority can only suspend the new activity for the first 12 months if the new employer no longer meets the requirements.
As the holder of an EU Blue Card, you can apply for a permanent settlement permit after just 27 months – with German language skills at level A1. If you can prove B1, you can apply after just 21 months. By way of comparison, a regular residence permit usually requires a waiting period of five years.
Family reunification
Spouses and underage children receive a residence permit with a full work permit – without A1 language certificate. This is a significant advantage over other residence permits that require knowledge of German before entry.
Spouses who are employed for at least 20 hours per week can also apply for their own settlement permit after just three years.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the EU Blue Card
Is that possible without a university degree?
Yes – IT specialists with at least three years of relevant professional experience can obtain the EU Blue Card even without an academic degree.
What happens if I lose my job?
The EU Blue Card remains valid until the expiration date if the immigration authority does not shorten it prematurely. You can use this time to find a new job. If the immigration authority wants to shorten the Blue Card, you can apply for a job search opportunity card. In this case, we recommend that you seek legal advice at an early stage.
How long does the procedure take?
The processing time varies between a few weeks and several months, depending on the foreigners authority. The procedure can be significantly accelerated with complete documentation.
Can I move to other EU countries with a Blue Card?
With a Blue Card issued in Germany, you can only live and work in Germany. After 18 months in Germany, however, you can move to another EU country under simplified conditions and apply for a Blue Card there too.
Our specialist lawyer for migration law Sven Hasse will advise and represent you in this area. The best way to contact us for advice is via the contact form.
