The EU Blue Card (2024)

The EU Blue Card (1) Source: © BAMF

Purpose and target group

Contact The EU Blue Card (2)

Hotline Working and Living in Germany

Frankenstraße 210
90461 Nürnberg

Phone +49 30-1815-1111
E-mail: Write a message

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for University graduates and third-party nationals with specific professional experience, which facilitates and promotes the permanent immigration of highly-qualified workers to Germany from non-EU countries.

Conditions

Further information on the detailed requirements for an EU Blue Card application can be found at www.make-it-germany.com.

Competent authorities

Validity of the EU Blue Card The EU Blue Card (3)

The EU Blue Card is a temporary residence permit that is issued for a period of four years as a matter of principle. If the duration of the employment contract is shorter than four years, the EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment contract, plus three months. However, an employment contract or binding offer of employment for a period of at least six months is required in all cases. If the conditions are met, it can be extended. The competent foreign office can suspend a change in job of an EU Blue Card holder for 30 days and reject it within this period in the first twelve months of employment.

If you live outside the EU, you will generally require a visa for the purpose of gainful employment which will be issued by the competent German diplomatic mission. You can enter Germany on this visa. Prior to expiry of the visa, you must subsequently apply to the local immigration authority for the EU Blue Card.

The following exceptions apply:

  • Nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America may enter Germany without requiring a visa, and must subsequently apply for the EU Blue Card at the immigration authority that is responsible for the place where they live within three months. They may take up employment once the EU Blue Card has been issued.
  • Individuals who have held an EU Blue Card in another EU Member State for at least 12 months may enter Germany without requiring a visa. They have to apply for an EU Blue Card in Germany at the immigration authority that is responsible for the place where they live within one month of entering the country.
  • Individuals who are already living in Germany and hold another residence title may file an application for the EU Blue Card with the immigration authority competent for their place of residence.

Benefits of the residence title

Good to know! The EU Blue Card (4)

An EU Blue Card can be applied for in all EU Member States apart from Denmark and Ireland. Slight differences apply with regard to the conditions, such as the amount of the gross annual salary.

  • There is a legal entitlement to an EU Blue Card if the conditions are met.
  • The EU Blue Card simplifies the requirements for mobility within the European Union.
  • Relaxation of the conditions for family reunification: Your family members enjoy less stringent conditions pertaining to family reunification. Spouses are entitled to issuance of a residence title without requiring a knowledge of German, for example, and are granted immediate and unlimited permission to take up employment.
  • Faster acquisition of a settlement permit: Holders of an EU Blue Card will receive a settlement permit after 33 months in Germany if they have been in highly-qualified employment and paid contributions into a pension fund during this period, and are able to make themselves understood in German on a basic level. The qualification period is shortened to 21 months for persons with an adequate knowledge of German (level B1).

    You must meet the following additional pre-conditions:

    • basic knowledge of the legal and social order and of living conditions in Germany,
    • sufficient living space for you and your family members living with you in the same household,
    • secured subsistence,
    • proof of holding all permits required for permanent employment,
    • the granting of a settlement permit must not be precluded by reasons of public safety and order.

The legal basis The EU Blue Card (5)

  • Section 18 of the Residence Act Policy on immigration by skilled workers
  • Section 18c of the Residence Act Settlement permit for skilled workers
  • Section 18g AufenthG (German Residence Act) EU Blue Card
  • Section 19f of the Residence Act Grounds for rejection
  • Directive (EU) 2021/1883

The EU Blue Card (2024)

FAQs

What is a blue card in the EU? ›

The EU Blue Card is designed particularly to attract highly qualified third-country nationals to jobs in occupations where there is a shortage of qualified personnel or where a shortage is likely to arise in future. The EU Blue Card is the main residence permit for university graduates from abroad.

Do I qualify for EU Blue Card? ›

EU Blue Card Eligibility Criteria

When applying for a Blue Card the applicant must meet the following conditions: Have a Master's Degree or equivalent. Have at least 5 years of experience in your field. Have a work contract or a job offer for highly qualified employment for at least one year.

What is the difference between EU Blue Card and PR? ›

Though both are types of residence permits offered by Germany, there are some major differences between the two: The Germany PR is a permanent residence permit with unlimited validity, while the Germany Blue card is valid only for four years and is subject to renewal.

What is the benefit of the EU Blue Card in Spain? ›

The Spanish EU Blue Card entitles you to the following benefits:
  • Free movement to another member state of the EU.
  • Paid leaves. ...
  • You can bring your family with you to Spain.
  • Access to education and vocational training.
  • Working hours. ...
  • Access within the territory of Spain.

How hard is it to get a EU Blue Card? ›

To be eligible for a Blue Card, you must have a valid job offer with a salary that's 1.5 times above the country's average. Successful applicants can include their dependents and travel freely between EU countries.

What is the Blue Card rule? ›

What is the blue card? The card will be used to issue a sin-bin to the offending players. This itself is a new addition to the game, though it has been used at grassroots level and in other countries across the world. The sin-bins will be 10 minutes long.

Can I go to London with EU Blue Card? ›

Even if have Blue Card / Niederlassungerlaubnis / Aufenthaltstitel (residence permit), a visa is required to visit London. You to get an appointment from worldbridge center, visit them on scheduled date to provide bio metrics and submit all documents along with application and passport. Fee of EUR 100 has to be paid.

Can I travel to London with EU Blue Card? ›

You cannot use an EU , EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK unless you: have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man's settlement schemes. have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

Is Blue Card better than residence permit? ›

Some benefits of the Blue Card include: Visa Validity: A Blue Card is typically valid for 4 years, while a residence permit is typically valid for 2 years. Freedom of Job Choice: After holding a Blue Card for two years, you may work in any profession you like.

Which EU PR is easiest? ›

In Europe, countries that give residence permits easily are Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro and Malta. You can easily obtain residency in the Americas in Antigua and Barbuda, Mexico, Belize, and Nicaragua.

How do I get EU permanent residence? ›

To get a document certifying your right of permanent residence, you must submit proof that you have been living legally in the country for 5 years. You need to send different supporting documents with your application, depending on your situation (employed, self-employed, jobseeker, pensioner, student).

What is Spain's average salary? ›

Over this 22-year period, annual wages in Spain fluctuated greatly, ranging from a low of 28,689 euros in 2006 to a high of approximately 31,914 euros in 2009. The average annual wage stood at approximately 29,113 euros in 2022. Compared to other European countries, Spain ranked fairly low.

What is EU yellow card? ›

If one-third of the national parliaments raise an objection the European Commission must review the proposal. This is commonly referred to as the 'yellow card' as the Commission is given pause and has to decide on whether it withdraws the proposal or whether it will maintain or amend the proposal.

Can I travel to Spain with a Blue Card? ›

Once approved, applicants will receive a visa stamped in their passport. This visa allows them to travel to and enter Spain legally. After arrival, they can obtain the physical residency card.

Is Blue Card real soccer? ›

There will be no blue cards shown in soccer, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Saturday ahead of the annual meeting of the sport's rule-making panel. The rules panel known as IFAB later extended trials of “sin bins” at low-level and youth games.

Who is eligible for EU Blue Card in Poland? ›

You must have a valid work contract or binding job offer for a profession that requires high qualifications, with a duration of at least 1 year (12 months). You must have completed a study course at a university with a duration of three years. Your gross salary must meet the salary threshold in Poland.

Can I travel to UK with EU Blue Card? ›

All European nationals can enter the UK without a visa, but with a valid passport - the identity card is no longer sufficient. All NON-EU NATIONALS ( visa nationals) or persons with a blue or grey travel document issued by the FRG require a visa to enter the UK - Standard Visitor Visa = Tourist Visa.

How do I get a Blue Card in Italy? ›

To obtain the EU Blue Card, the worker or employer must submit an application to the competent authorities in Italy. The application for, and all the relevant supporting documents, must be presented to the authorities for review. Applicants receive a decision within 90 days.

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